Long Summary
Centenarians, individuals who live to 100 years or more, are becoming increasingly common, representing the fastest-growing demographic worldwide. Despite historical interest in understanding ageing dating back to ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, uncovering the secrets to longevity remains complex due to the intertwined effects of genetics and lifestyle.
This recent study utilized the largest dataset to date comparing blood biomarker profiles in long-lived people and their shorter-lived peers. The research analyzed health data from 44,000 Swedish individuals aged 64 to 99, tracked for up to 35 years, identifying 1,224 centenarians, predominantly female. Twelve biomarkers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, and nutrition were evaluated for their association with the likelihood of reaching 100 years of age.
Findings showed that centenarians generally had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid from their sixties onward. While median biomarker values were similar between centenarians and others, centenarians rarely exhibited extreme values. Biomarkers outside clinical normal ranges were common in both groups, likely reflecting that clinical guidelines are based on younger, healthier populations.
Except for alanine aminotransferase (Alat) and albumin, all biomarkers showed a significant link to the chance of becoming a centenarian. Lower levels of total cholesterol and iron correlated with decreased longevity chances, whereas higher levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, and certain liver function markers also reduced the odds. The differences in risk, although sometimes modest, suggest metabolic health and nutrition play roles in exceptional longevity.
The study emphasises that while these biomarker differences precede death by many years, it cannot pinpoint which lifestyle or genetic factors cause them. However, nutrition and alcohol intake likely influence these biomarkers. Monitoring kidney, liver, glucose, and uric acid levels with age may be beneficial. Nonetheless, random chance also contributes to survival to very old ages.
Overall, this research provides valuable insights by leveraging a large, longitudinal dataset to enhance understanding of biological markers associated with longevity. It highlights the complex nature of ageing and the interplay of metabolic, nutritional, and possibly genetic factors in living a long and healthy life.
