Supercentenarians: Lives Beyond a Century
Folks are really curious about individuals living very long lives. Most of us hope to see our children get established, see our grandchildren grow up, and perhaps even know great-grandchildren. Although contemporary medicine has pushed the number of years folks are living upward, passing 100 is still rare. Supercentenarians people living beyond 110 bring international attention. Of course, folks wish to know how they did it and what their secrets are.
One recent prominent figure was Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, a Brazilian nun, who died at the age of 116. Her religious community called her life one of devotion. Sister Inah was born on June 8, 1908. She was the world’s oldest person alive earlier this year, following the death of Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who also lived to be 116. Sister Inah’s life was guided by faith strongly. Pope Francis even blessed her at the age of 110.
She attributed her longevity to only one thing: God. “He is the secret of life,” she once declared. Living a devout life built on faith was what meant peace for her. She now stands as the second-oldest nun in recorded history, following France’s Lucile Randon, who lived to age 118. Her life serves as a reminder how personal beliefs can construct a life lived long and purposefully.
Now, Ethel Caterham is the world’s oldest living person. She lives in Surrey, England, and is at 115 years and 252 days old. Born on August 21, 1909, her life covers a period that most of us can hardly even imagine.
Consider the historic sweep Ethel has lived through. She was born five years prior to the outbreak of World War I and is thought to be the last surviving subject of King Edward VII, whose reign concluded in 1910. Ethel is also the sole known individual in the UK to have lived through six monarchs. Turning 115 made her one of just three Britons ever to achieve that.
A Life of Adventure
Ethel’s early life involved unexpected travel. She traveled to British India at age 18 and served as an au pair for a few years. She married an army officer and her life thereafter took her all over the world. She resided in Hong Kong and then in Gibraltar, where both her daughters were born.
Personal Losses
Ethel survived her immediate relatives. Her husband passed away in 1976, having been married for over 40 years. Unfortunately, both the daughters passed away too her younger daughter Anne passed away at the age of 82. Subsequently, Ethel relocated to a care home, where she has resided for over five years now.
Remaining Independent
Even at an advanced age, Ethel remained active. She operated a car up until the age of 97 and currently plays contract bridge to keep her mind active. Her capability to enjoy simple things and remain optimistic indicates that she is a person with a strong spirit.
Personal Secrets: Faith, Mindset, and Lifestyle
Queried as to how to live so long, Ethel had a simple answer: peace of mind. “Never fight with anyone,” she once stated. She also said, “I listen, and I do what I like.” She attributes having a calm demeanor and not getting stressed as the reasons for her good health.
That isn’t new words of wisdom from her. At her 111th birthday, she explained to BBC Radio Surrey the same thing: “Taking everything in my stride.” That was both the good and the bad. Her message has remained the same keep calm and carry on.
Prior to Ethel, Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera was the world’s oldest person. She passed away last August at 117 years old after riding out world events such as the World Wars and 1918 flu epidemic. Her longevity interested scientists who researched her biology and health. Maria lived in a Spanish nursing home since 2000 and offered real-life advice on living long.
Healthy Habits
She did not smoke or drink, walked every day, and consumed a fruit- and vegetable-rich diet. Getting close to friends and family also helped. One of her most quoted sayings was to steer clear of toxic individuals at all times.
Yogurt and Gut Health
Maria’s secret tip? She consumed three yogurts a day. Scientists in Barcelona examined her gut microbiome upon her death. While their results are awaiting peer review, they described her as having an abundance of beneficial bacteria particularly bifidobacteria. A balanced and diverse gut is linked to reduced inflammation and overall improved health.
Balanced Diet
Yogurt contains gut-friendly probiotics. Heated milk fermented with bacteria produces live cultures. These probiotics aid digestion and can lower inflammation. However, researchers think her diet and lifestyle were equally crucial. Fruits and vegetables of diverse kinds nourish gut bacteria and deliver essential nutrients.
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Several Routes to Longevity
Various supercentenarians attribute various things:
- Sister Inah placed great importance on faith
- Maria concentrated on diet and lifestyle
- Ethel cites peace of mind
Both believed in something that provided significance and harmony to their lives.
Guinness also recently identified João Marinho Neto of Brazil similar to Sister Inah as the world’s oldest living man at age 112. Shared nation of origin is a fascinating coincidence.
Scientific Perspective: What Science Reveals
Apart from anecdotal tales, science explores longevity’s trends. Professionals search for themes that cut across isolated instances. Some trends have emerged:
Simplicity of Diet
Most people who lived long lives consumed well-balanced, straightforward meals. These usually consisted of quantities of vegetables and relatively few processed foods. They ate small portions and drank plenty of water both important factors in current eating guidelines.
Physical Activity
Movement counts. Even moderate activity mounts up. Briskly walking only 75 minutes a week can extend your life by two years. Active living pays off, but sitting for prolonged periods increases risk of premature death. Getting up and walking around regularly, even in short periods, sustains optimal well-being.
Maria walked every day. Ethel drove into her late 90s. These routines illustrate how activity at any rate makes a substantial difference.
Multidimensional Pillars: Sleep, Stress, and Social Ties
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Sleep
Sleep gets neglected. Yet regular, good-quality sleep is tied to longevity. Unpredictable sleep, as in shift workers, can lead to increased stroke or premature death risk. Adults require 7–9 hours of sleep every night, although optimal times differ from person to person.
Stress
Stress does not just take a toll, though, even from a young age. To lose a parent at an early age, for example, can raise long-term inflammation, affecting health. Resilient older people tend to survive better. A study determined that eight weeks of yoga enhanced resilience in older adults. This matches Ethel’s instruction to remain calm and not fight.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Social Connections
Good social connections also increase survival. Individuals aged 65 and older who have contact with others on a daily basis are much more likely to survive. Relationships lower blood pressure and boost mental and emotional health. Maria suggested maintaining proximity with family and not being negative. Ethel cherished intimate relationships as well. These are very important.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Genetics and Luck: The Uncontrollable Factors
Genetics
Although healthy living contributes, genes and luck play their part as well. Research puts 20–40% of an individual’s lifespan down to genetics. A few individuals are born with mutations that contribute to long life. Good genes in one generation don’t guarantee the same for the next Ethel’s daughters didn’t live as long as she has.
Practical Tips: Lessons for Everyday Longevity
While we can’t prevent everything, there are things we can do to enhance our chances of living a long and healthy life.
- Eat a healthful, plant-centered diet
- Be physically active and avoid sitting too much
- Get regular sleep patterns
- Reduce stress by practicing calm behaviors and attitudes
- Establish and nurture healthy social connections
