Living longer and with a better quality of life is probably the goal of most people. According to the Population Division of the United Nations (UN), in 2021 there were 621,000 people aged 100 or over, with Spain being one of the countries with the most centenarians. What's more, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), in the year 2022, more than 19,000 Spaniards had reached the century of life. But why do some people live longer than others? Studies reveal that different circumstances influence reaching the century of life, from genetic and psychological factors to lifestyle and scientific advances that have allowed a substantial improvement in health thanks to medications. In this regard, a report published in the Open University of Catalonia recalls that genetics "without a doubt" has a "great impact on longevity as well as healthy habits." For its part, research from the Complutense University of Madrid and reported by The Conversation has revealed that there are also psychological traits that have a decisive influence on longevity. Among them, the persevering, positive attitude and intellectual curiosity stand out.
Following what is established in this research, if you want to become a healthy centenarian, start challenging your mind to maintain its cognitive development, stay active daily and don't forget to take care of your social relationships.
