Declining physical prowess is inevitable as we age. Depression,
loneliness, isolation and apathy are not. Many of us believe we are old
when we have passed age 60, 50, 40 and even 30. But even when we are
approaching 100 or more, we could possibly live another 10 or even 20
years. Recently deceased and some currently living centenarians are
teaching us that perhaps our beliefs about aging have been incorrect.
According
to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were about 3,000 Americans over 100
years of age in 1950, about 37,306 in 1960, 73,674 in 2004, and there
will be an estimated 1.1 million by 2050. Longevity appears to be more
about healthy lifestyle than about genetics and DNA. Studying what has
helped some people to live way beyond the normal expectations can help
us all to improve the quality of our life and our own longevity. Some of
the ages listed below may be slightly exaggerated due to inaccurate
record keeping, but those in the United States are correct.
Deceased Super Centenarians
o
Age 128 - Elizabeth "Ma Pampo" Israel of the Caribbean Island Dominica
died 10/14/03. Authorities attribute her longevity to the tranquility of
Dominica, the world's "centenarian capital," with more than 20 men and
women over age 100 among its 70,000 inhabitants. "For much of her life,
she ...worked in the sugarcane fields...and she rose every morning at 5
A.M. to pray."
o Age 122, 5 months and 14 days - Jeanne Calment of
Arles, France, a wealthy woman who never had to work. She died in
8/4/97, the oldest documented person at that time. Her advice? "Always
keep your smile."
o Age 119 - Sarah Knauss died in 1999, the oldest American in history.
o
Age 112 - George Johnson "Sausage Man," who died recently, had lived on
a high fat diet of sausage and waffles, yet he had the organs of
someone in their 50's or 60's.
Currently Living Super Centenarians
There
are 75 people alive - 64 women and 11 men - who are 110 or older,
according to the Gerontology Research Group, an Inglewood, Calif.-based
group that verifies reports of extreme ages. Scientists have found
certain genetic mutations in centenarians that may help to delay aging
or boost resistance to age-related disease. The general consensus is
that it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors such as
health habits and a positive attitude, not dwelling on stress.
o
Age 120 - Mariam Amash, in applying for a new Israeli identity card in
February 2008, claimed to have been born 120 years ago, which, if
verified, would make her the oldest living person in the world. A
relative says she drinks a glass of olive oil every day.
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