In the race to reach 100, the wealthy have a head start

Reaching the age of 100 was once considered an unusual achievement, meriting news coverage and local recognition. Today, with health advancements and a deeper understanding of aging, this goal is increasingly within reach for a greater number of people. Recent reports indicate that Japan has almost 100,000 centenarians, and as of 2015, there were around half a million centenarians worldwide—over four times the amount from 1990. Projections suggest this number could soar to 3.7 million by 2050.

This remarkable growth is largely attributed to medical breakthroughs and a better grasp of health and wellness requirements. Individuals can enhance their likelihood of reaching this milestone by learning to eat, exercise, and maintain a positive mindset. Our latest special issue provides insights on how to improve physical and mental health to boost your chances of celebrating a 100th birthday.

However, personal choices alone cannot bridge the gap created by systemic inequalities. There is a widening disparity in both lifespan and healthspan between affluent and disadvantaged populations. According to recent data in the UK, residents of wealthier areas now enjoy nearly 18 more years of good health compared to their counterparts in less affluent regions—a disparity that has grown by 22% for men and 17% for women over the past decade. A study published in the Lancet highlighted that the life expectancy gap in the US between the longest-living demographic, Asian Americans, and the shortest-living, Native Americans and Native Alaskans, increased from 12.6 years in 2000 to 20.4 years in 2021. Similarly, in India, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities, with high-caste Hindus experiencing a 1.3-year decline in life expectancy, while Indian Muslims suffered a decline of 5.4 years. These statistics underscore the urgent need for equitable access to nutrition, secure housing, and relief from the stresses caused by poverty.

As we strive for longevity, we must advocate for political responsibility to combat growing inequalities in health. Living to 100 should be an aspiration that includes everyone, not just the affluent.