Why Do Some People Live to 100—and How? | EP. 18

Today, about one in every 5,000 people in the United States is a centenarian—or someone who’s 100 or more years old, and about 85 percent of them are women. But why do some people live to 100—and how?

To find out, we talk to Thomas Perls, a School of Medicine professor of geriatrics and director of BU’s New England Centenarian Study, the largest study of its kind in the world. Perls’ research has shown that centenarians age slowly, delaying age-related diseases to much later in life. Genetics plays a huge role in longevity: while getting to age 90 is roughly 30 percent genetics and 70 percent health behaviors, Perls says by age 110, it’s likely the opposite, or 70 percent genetics.

Despite the role of genetics, Perls says there are still four things we can do to increase our chances of living longer. Tune in for his tips for living longer.

Video Chapters
00:38 Intro - Why do some people live to 100—and how?
01:37 What trends or patterns are you noticing in how people are living and setting themselves up to live longer lives?
03:23 How did 100 years old become a magic number? What impact does longevity have on the healthcare system?
05:55 What was centenarian Celia's secret? Was it her genetics or lifestyle that allowed her to live for so long, and stay active?
10:13 Do women or mend tend to live longer?
10:51 Are more people living longer, are fewer people living longer? Which direction are we headed in the US?
13:54 Most discusses his results from the Living to 100 Life Expectancy Calculator
17:15 Dr. Perls discusses the importance of family medical history in understanding your life expectancy
17:39 What is next for BU’s New England Centenarian Study study?

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