United Healthcare’s 8th annual centenarian survey in 2013 provides a snapshot into the lives of seniors reaching 100 years old. This year, in addition to the 100-year-olds, baby boomers ages 60-65 were polled to examine how the attitudes and lifestyles of Americans entering their retirement years compare to those who have held the title of “senior citizen” for 35 years or more.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates there are 53,000 centenarians nationwide today and projects the centenarian population will increase
to over 600,000 by 2050.
Large majorities of both centenarians (87%) and 60 to 65-yearolds (92%) say they communicate with a friend or family member almost every day. Over 8 in 10 (86%) centenarians say they eat nutritiously balanced meals almost daily, significantly more than the 77% of boomers who say the same.
More than half of both groups say they pray, meditate or engage in some type of “spiritual” activity (56% centenarians, 61% of 60 to 65-year-olds) or exercise almost daily (58% centenarians, 72% of 60 to 65-year-olds).
A full night’s sleep escapes many boomers. Just over half (54%) of 60 to 65-year-olds enjoy 8 hours or more of sleep each night compared
to 2/3’s of centenarians.
Centenarians get out and about. More than 1 in 3 (37%) say they attend a social event almost every day. This compares to slightly more than a quarter (28%) of 60- to 65-year-olds who say the same.
Asked which of the 3—mental, physical or emotional health—is the most difficult to maintain as one ages, the greatest number of both 60 to 65-year-olds (53%) and centenarians (35 %) chose physical health. So eat right, get enough sleep, exercise daily, and enjoy life, you could easily live to be 100!
Bob Larson is a technologist and our Marketing Director. Contact Bob for more information on this article at Email Bob Larson.