[Human lifespan: to live and outlive 100 years?]

Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 2009 Sep;60(3):375-86. doi: 10.2478/10004-1254-60-2009-1928.
[Article in Croatian]

Abstract

Aged population dominates in developed countries. Centenarians are a select group, and only one in 7,000 to 10,000 reach that age. Factors of longevity are numerous and include genetic predisposition (a locus on chromosome 4), environment, healthy lifestyle (hypocaloric diet, regular physical and mental exercise), accessible health services, and efficient health protection at old age. Centenarians are well adapted to the new life and compensate for the loss of functions with age. The limits of human life are extended, so that nowadays the oldest person has reached the age of 128. Some geographic areas are characterised by higher numbers of centenarians. This article mentions a few individuals who outlived 100 years in the world, Croatia, and neighbouring countries. Although some argue that the limits of human life cannot be extended over the age of 120 years, for now we cannot predict the actual limits of human life.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging
  • Croatia
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy* / trends
  • Male