If someone told you at 50 that you might live to 100, you probably would have laughed. But now, as you settle into your 80s or 90s, that reality may not seem so far-fetched. With advances in healthcare, nutrition, and lifestyle habits, more people than ever are reaching—and thriving well beyond—100 years old. Will reaching 110 be the new norm? It looks to be trending in that direction!
According to the United Nations, the number of centenarians worldwide is expected to grow from half a million today to over 3.7 million by 2050. And while genetics play a role, scientists now agree that only about 20-30% of longevity is determined by DNA—the rest is up to lifestyle, mindset, and daily choices.
So, what does this mean for you? If you live another 10, 20, or even 30 years, how do you want those years to look? Let’s explore the secrets of thriving centenarians, the mindset shifts needed to embrace longevity, and how to plan for a future you may not have expected.
Meet the Thrivers: The Mindset of Centenarians
Many people assume that those who live to 100+ must have followed strict diets, exercised daily, and never touched a dessert. But when you look at thriving centenarians, a different pattern emerges: their mindset is just as important as their habits.
Take Sister André, a French nun who lived to 118 years old (making her the world’s oldest person at the time of her passing in 2023). She enjoyed chocolate and a daily glass of wine, credited her long life to "working hard and caring for others," and said she "wasn’t afraid of death." Her mindset? Stay engaged in life, find purpose, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Then there’s Johanna Mazibuko, who lived to 128 in South Africa. She grew up on a farm, ate simple, whole foods, and remained mentally sharp until the end. She believed her longevity came from "not holding grudges" and "never stressing about what she couldn’t change."
And let’s not forget Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, who lived to 105 in Japan. As one of the world’s longest-serving doctors, he worked until age 100 and believed in staying curious and having a strong sense of purpose. He never retired in the traditional sense, choosing to stay engaged in his passions and community instead.
The common thread among these individuals? They lived with intention.
The Mindset Shift: Planning for a Longer Life
Many of us subconsciously plan for life to wind down at a certain age. But what if you knew you had another 20 or 30 years left? Here’s how to reframe your thinking:
See Aging as an Expansion, Not a Decline
Many thriving centenarians reject the idea of "slowing down." Instead of seeing aging as a loss, they see it as an opportunity—to learn, contribute, and experience life in new ways.
Shift Your Mindset: Instead of asking, “What am I losing?” ask, “What new experiences can I embrace?”
Keep a Sense of Purpose (Even if It Evolves)
Studies from Blue Zones (regions with the longest-living populations) show that having a reason to wake up in the morning is one of the biggest predictors of longevity. This doesn’t mean a high-pressure career—it could be mentoring younger generations, learning a new skill, or volunteering.
Ask Yourself: What is something I’ve always wanted to do but never had time for?
Stay Social and Connected
One of the biggest risks to longevity is isolation. According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness is linked to higher risks of dementia, heart disease, and depression. In contrast, centenarians tend to stay socially active—whether through community activities, friendships, or multigenerational relationships.
Action Step: Prioritize relationships. Regularly check in with friends, join a club, or start a new hobby with others.
Be Open to Change
Thriving centenarians adapt to life’s challenges instead of resisting them. Whether it’s shifting to new technology, learning new skills, or even relocating, their ability to embrace change keeps them mentally and emotionally resilient. What a great age to adopt the YOLO mindset – You Only Live Once!!
Reframe Challenges: Instead of saying, "I’m too old for that," try, "Why not?"
Final Thought: Dream Beyond 100
Most of us never imagined we might live to 100, 105, or even 110—but science says it’s more possible than ever. Instead of fearing it, what if we embraced it?
What if, at 90, you picked up painting, storytelling, or public speaking? What if you started a podcast sharing your life stories? What if you finally wrote that book, took that trip, or built that new friendship?
Aging doesn’t mean fading away—it means having more time to create, connect, and live fully. The science shows there truly is Art in Aging!