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Supercentenarians: slower ageing individuals or senile elderly?
1INSERM, Val d'Aurelle, 34298, Montpellier, France. robine@valdorel.fnclcc.fr
Experimental Gerontology
|April 11, 2001
Summary
The number of supercentenarians (individuals aged 110+) has significantly increased since the 1970s, with maximum observed ages rising by 10 years. Mortality rates for supercentenarians remain low and stable.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Demography
- Biostatistics
Background:
- While centenarian numbers are documented, supercentenarians (aged 110+) remain less understood.
- Supercentenarians first emerged in the mid-1960s, with numbers steadily increasing since the mid-1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographic trends and mortality patterns of supercentenarians.
- To investigate the prevalence and survival probabilities of individuals aged 110 and above.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of validated supercentenarian data from demographic databases.
- Calculation of annual death probabilities for individuals aged 110 and older.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of known supercentenarians is 5-6 times higher than in the mid-1970s.
- Maximum observed age has increased by approximately 10 years in the last 20 years (from 112 to 122).
- Annual probability of death at age 110 is low (0.52) and stagnates between ages 110-115.
Conclusions:
- Supercentenarian numbers and maximum lifespan are increasing.
- Mortality rates for supercentenarians are low and stable, supporting current mortality trajectory models.