No doubt about it- despite everything going on in the world, Americans continue to push the boundaries of longevity and extended life spans. While there were about 82,000 centenarians (those age 100 and above) in the US in 2016, estimates are that by 2060, there will be close to 600,000 Americans living that long. And while there are no guarantees that those longer lives will be supported by longer health spans, chances are if you live to 100 or older, you’ve likely figured out how to combine your possibly good genes with healthy living habits. And, lucky for us, scientists continue to explore what life choices support and nurture these extended lives so that even if you lack the good genes, your chances for extending your life span remain pretty good (depending on certain factors).

First up, out of Washington State University College of Medicine comes a new study examining the lives of over 100,000 Washingtonians who lived to be centenarians. Looking at mortality data, the researchers determined that the keys to these longer life spans were socioeconomic factors and the environment in which they lived. In particular, researchers found that living in a neighborhood that was age-diverse and walkable was critical, as was being in a higher socioeconomic class. As the press release describing the study underscored, “when you live in an environment that supports healthy aging, this likely impacts your ability to successfully beat your genetic odds through lifestyle changes.” 

A new study out of the University of Otago in New Zealand also found that lifestyle can have a significant influence on whether you reach age 100. This study found that 2 common traits were shared by New Zealand centenarians: not smoking and active social engagement in the later years. While social engagements have been limited for the moment due to coronavirus, it does seem that social activities like concert-going, visiting friends, or even playing a round of golf can help you extend your life span (so long as you’re not smoking in the process). 

And if you’re looking for some good insights and practical tips from longevity researchers, you’re in luck. Noted longevity researcher Dr. Nir Barzilai, of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the American Federation for Aging Research has just come out with a new book entitled, Age Later: Health Span, Life Span, and the New Science of Longevity. Dr. Barzilai is one of the pioneers of studying “super-agers” to determine why some of us can live active, healthy lives into our 90s and beyond. The book is filled with data, anecdotes, and practical wisdom for how to feel like 50 even when you reach your 80s and 90s (and, as a special treat for agebuzz readers, you’re invited to watch a new live on-line lecture from Dr. Barzilai, at no cost, on Friday, June 26th at 11:00 am EST- Click Here to register!).

Finally, for some common sense advice direct from those living on “the other side” of 100, (and those who study them), check out this recent article from Parade magazine.