Projected Ages of Centenarians:

How many people living in the United States are 100 years of age or more?

10,000?
25,000?
50,000?

Well, if you agreed with any of these numbers you still would be way too low.

More than 84,000 people living in the United States have reached the mark of centenarian (100-years-old).

Hold onto your hats for this next piece of information. According to SeniorCircle.com that number is expected to increase to 580,000 within the next 30 year! It is anticipated that the United States Baby Boom Generation will be experiencing the longevity benefits of modern research and technology and boost the number of people who will live to blow out 100 birthday candles by more than seven times!

Happy 100th Birthday:

It might be a good idea to take a closer look at the information and research coming out on what these 100 years young people are doing to keep themselves vital and contributing members of their advanced generation and the truest source of wisdom and experience society has to offer.

• Almost 20% of a 2010 poll of a hundred 100-year-young people said that they are involved in some type of volunteer work.

• Approximately 1/3 – 32% – eat organic foods regularly.
• A whopping 75% report that they get eight hours or more sleep at night.

• Centenarians clearly believe that laughter is the best medicine – an amazing 72% say they laugh or giggle every day.

• 4 in 10 walk or hike at least once a week. 31% keep themselves active by gardening.

• 3 out of every 4 centenarians consume nutritionally balanced meals daily.

• 62% engage in some type of spiritual activity such as praying or meditating every day.

• Topping the list – more than 80% reach out and touch someone and communicate with a friend or family member every day.

If you are fortunate to have had at least one grandparent very close at hand while growing up, you will already know how much wisdom our society is going to be gaining with the increase in longevity this aging generation is going to provide.

Fit at 100:

With the increased number of older people, we have the opportunity to tap back into the wisdom of the ages by seeking opportunities to engage these amazing people into our lives and our decision-making processes.

Let us hope and pray we can see this golden opportunity our society is granted and incorporate the experience and history of this amazing generation into our lives. By connecting with our centenarian generation and sharing their lives with them, by seeking their involvement and opinions in helping us understand what they have seen work best in society and what they’ve seen not work so well, we have so very much to gain.

We are being handed an opportunity to combine the genius of tomorrow’s minds with the wisdom and impact of the past. Let us join together, honor yesterday, improve all our todays and build the best future we can!

Author's Bio: 

Judy is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked extensively as a counselor with children, adolescents, couples and families. Judy’s professional experience in the mental health field along with her love of writing, provide insight into real-life experiences and relationships. Her fresh voice and down-to-earth approach to living a happier, more meaningful life are easy to understand and just as easy to start implementing right away for positive results!