The world’s population has seen a significant increase in the number of centenarians, making them one of the fastest-growing demographic groups. With their numbers doubling roughly every ten years since the 1970s, these individuals have become a subject of interest for scientists and researchers worldwide.
Understanding how long humans can live and what determines a long and healthy life has been a topic of discussion for centuries. From the teachings of Plato and Aristotle over 2,300 years ago to modern scientific research, the pursuit of unraveling the secrets behind exceptional longevity continues. It involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors that interact throughout an individual’s life.
A recent study published in GeroScience has shed light on some common biomarkers found in individuals who live past the age of 90. By examining levels of cholesterol, glucose, and other key biomarkers, researchers have identified patterns that are common among nonagenarians and centenarians. These biomarkers may hold the key to understanding how to live longer and age in better health.
The study in question is the largest of its kind, comparing biomarker profiles among exceptionally long-lived individuals and their shorter-lived peers. By analyzing data from 44,000 Swedes who underwent health assessments at ages 64-99, researchers were able to track these individuals over a period of up to 35 years. Of the participants, 2.7% lived to be 100 years old, with the vast majority of centenarians being female.
Twelve blood-based biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, malnutrition, and anaemia were analyzed as part of the study. While many of these biomarkers have been associated with aging and mortality in previous research, the study provided new insights into how these biomarkers may be linked to exceptional longevity.
The study revealed that individuals who reached their hundredth birthday tended to have lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid from their sixties onwards. While median values did not significantly differ between centenarians and non-centenarians for most biomarkers, centenarians displayed a distinct pattern of having values that were not extremely high or low.
The study also found that certain biomarkers, such as total cholesterol, iron, glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and markers for liver function, were linked to the likelihood of reaching 100 years of age. While the differences in biomarker levels were relatively small, they suggest a potential connection between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity.
While the study does not provide conclusive evidence regarding the specific lifestyle factors or genes responsible for these biomarker values, it highlights the importance of monitoring key biomarkers as individuals age. By understanding the role of biomarkers in longevity, individuals may be able to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle choices to potentially increase their chances of living past 100 years.
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