America’s centenarians are generally content and believe staying active is key to longevity, and some are even using social media and e-mail to stay in touch with family and friends, a survey released yesterday showed.
Although genetics play a big part, multiple factors contribute to longevity, including a positive attitude
The poll that compared the attitudes and lifestyle of baby boomers to centenarians showed the country’s oldest citizens were more content than their younger counterparts and put more emphasis on eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep.
“We are seeing clear differences in the generations,” said Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer of the healthcare company UnitedHealthcare and Retirement.
Although genetics play a big part, Randall said multiple factors contribute to longevity, including a positive attitude.
Census Bureau figures show that in 2010 there were more than 53,000 centenarians in the US, an increase of 65.8 per cent since 1980.
By 2050 their numbers are expected to hit 600,000.
The survey of 100 centenarians and 300 baby boomers, commissioned by UnitedHealthcare, showed half of the elderly would not change a thing in their life, compared to only 29 per cent of boomers.
Ten per cent of centenarians said they wish they had taken better care of themselves and focused more on relationships.
Equal numbers of both generations recognised the importance of keeping active and socially connected and the importance of family.
In a sign of just how important social connections are, more than a third of the elderly said they had kept up a friendship for more than 75 years.
Although a landline is the most common way centenarians keep in touch, nearly half of both groups recognised that cellphones, e-mail and text messages make it easier to stay connected.
Thirty-nine per cent of centenarians used social media, compared to 56 percent of boomers.
Randall said centenarians’ desire to keep up with technology is part of their positive attitude and shows it is never too late to learn.