Understanding the determinants of successful longevity.

Abstract

Centenarians have long been regarded as paradigms for successful ageing due to their extreme survivorship. Centenarians are the fastest growing age demographic globally and current trajectories are indicative of this trend continuing. There exists a need to understand this shift in societal ageing so that the factors contributing to healthy longevity can be identified in order to best prepare for the future needs of society as we age. The unprecedented growth of centenarian population cohorts and the heterogeneity in their phenotypes has led the realisation that although the role of genetics is irrefutable weight must be given to the other factors contributing to their health and wellbeing.