The Secret Life of a Centenarian

The average life expectancy for people back in the early 1900’s was around the age of 40-45 years. Lets fast-forward a century. The life expectancy today is well above 75 years of age in America. Living, breathing, experiencing life for 75+ years is quite a feat to some; for others who live in Okinawa, Japan or Ovadda, Sardinia, 75 years is an extension of their midlife. For those who live in Okinawa or Ovadda, life expectancy is 100 + years. This rare group of people is known as the centenarians. For the weeks to come, I plan to update everyone on my findings about centenarians through news articles, photos, videos, and books.

This unique group of people intrigues me because they are able to live for a long time without any medical surgeries or alterations. Longevity is something we all desire, yet these people don’t have to because they live it. I wonder what specific factors contribute to their longevity: the environment or is it the people themselves who possess a unique genetic makeup? Why hasn’t the world adopted the practices and lifestyles of the centenarians in Sardinia and Japan? Do the off-springs of the centenarians also live to be 100 years of age? What benefits and challenges do these people face? What effects do or will the population of centenarians have on society? Stay tuned as we delve into the world of centenarians

Slate's Geezer Issue One Year Later: "Diary of a 100-Year-Old Man: Dreams of My Mother, and a Visit From My Grandson"

In the second of three diary entries, the 100-year-old frenchman Leon Despres opens the door to his co-op to graciously invite the reader in. As the reader steps into his "world," he cannot help but feel empathy and a sense of familial affection towards the aged man. Why is that? This grandpa reminisces over the memory of his beloved wife and dreams of his deceased mother as he watches his "congenial caregiver" fuss over his clothes, meals, and bodily functions. These actions allude to the somber reality that he will pass onto to join his beloved soon.

Depres inspires the reader to cherish relationships and look for the simple pleasures in life. Sometimes the inevitable boredom of retirement is the cure to stress and unhappiness.

"Can Multivitamins Prolong Life"

Can Multivitamins Prolong Life? Pharmaceutical News and Articles:May 18, 2009

This article describes the effects of multivitamins and the results of the many people that are drawn to these vitamins. According to the article, "multivitamin use was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres, compared with nonusers, daily multivitaminusers had, on average, 5.1 percent longer leukocyte telomeres". If these vitamins are as successful as the article makes them to be, why aren't more people trying to extend their life? Why are mostly women attracted to multivitamins?