A recent survey conducted by UnitedHealthcare among 100 centenarians provides insights into the daily habits and perspectives of individuals aged 100 and over. The findings indicate active engagement in various physical, mental, and social activities.
Physical and Mental Engagement
The survey reported that nearly 50% of centenarians engage in some form of strength training weekly. Other physical activities include:
- 42% regularly walk or hike.
- Approximately 30% participate in gardening.
For mental and stress relief, 36% of respondents engage in activities such as meditation. A significant majority, 67%, reported maintaining a healthy diet.
Perceptions of Aging and Life Satisfaction
Many centenarians surveyed reported feeling decades younger than their chronological age and often did not identify as "old." Aging was described as a "gradual realization," noting changes such as increased rest requirements and longer recovery times from physical activities. Common age-related changes observed included hearing loss, increased physical aches, and, for some, a reduction in independence, such as discontinuing driving.
Despite these challenges, 85% of centenarians indicated enjoying life, finding it easy to laugh, and maintaining a sense of humor. Participants cited enjoyment in activities like gardening, reading, or crafting.
Technology and Social Connection
The survey also highlighted centenarians' engagement with modern technology and social connections:
- 40% play video games regularly.
- 27% have utilized AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, to ask questions.
- Nearly 50% use social media for connecting with friends and family.
Two-thirds of participants maintained close relationships with family and friends and reported a positive outlook on life. Four out of five centenarians reported frequent social interactions, including visits or get-togethers, at least once a week.
Expert Commentary and Broader Context
Dr. Rhonda Randall, a geriatrician and chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, stated that centenarians demonstrate a holistic approach to aging, emphasizing the combination of practices rather than single habits. She noted that strong social connections are associated with lower rates of chronic conditions and increased life expectancies.
Ken Stern, founder of The Longevity Project and author of "Healthy to 100," commented that the survey results align with existing evidence linking social ties and a positive outlook to healthy aging. He suggests that individuals accumulate substantial knowledge on maintaining health over a century.
Dr. Jonathan Rosand, co-founder of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Mass General Brigham, observed that centenarians dedicate cognitive effort to self-care. He emphasized that lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, stress management, and social engagement, are fundamental to successful aging.
Studies by Rosand and collaborators have indicated a correlation between healthy lifestyle habits and reduced risks of dementia and other age-related diseases. A 2024 Lancet Commission report further supports this, suggesting that approximately 45% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors, including exercise, smoking, alcohol use, diet, body weight, and social isolation.
The McCance Center for Brain Health has developed the Brain Care Score, a tool for individuals to assess their habits via a questionnaire and identify areas for improvement. Early adoption of healthy habits is linked to better disease prevention, though improvements can be initiated at any age.
Demographics and Future Projections
The UnitedHealthcare survey sample represents a portion of the estimated 100,000 centenarians in the U.S. Projections indicate a significant increase in this demographic, with over 400,000 centenarians anticipated by mid-century. Longevity is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, healthcare access, income, and incidental circumstances.