Although the proportion of people who live beyond the age of 100 is still very small, the worldwide number is rapidly growing, especially in more-developed nations. In the United States, the 2001 Census Bureau estimated that there were over 48,427 individuals over 100. The United Nations estimates that in 2000, there were 180,000 centenarians throughout the world. By 2050, this number is projected to number 3.2 million, an increase of about eighteen times. 68% projected in the developed world. Featured in the photo to the left is Dr. Ray Crist, 102 years old—America's oldest worker in 2002.

Distribution of world centenarians by development region, 2000-2050

Data provided by United Nations World Population Aging 1950-2050.

While most of this growth will take place in more-developed nations, a smaller, but significant proportion of centenarians is found in the less developed regions. A significant increase in absolute numbers in this age group is projected to take place in these regions over the next 50 years, from 40,000 in 2000 to more than 1 million in 2050.

Twenty-one centenarians, including the world’s oldest centenarian, live on the Caribbean island of Dominica. While people diagnosed with hypertension are not expected to live long lives, “Ma Pampo”, diagnosed with hypertension in the early 1970s, has been faithfully taking her prescribed medication. The “combination of hard work, good food, clean air and a supportive environment has contributed to her being so fit mentally and physically at the age of 101."

Article reprinted courtesy of www.aoa.gov.