They are avoiding or delaying these diseases. We've got to find out how and why they do that. So far, genes that extend life have only been identified among insects. When the right human genes are discovered, researchers insist, the goal will not be to create an elixir to prevent aging. There are discoveries researchers haven't explained.
Centenarian women outnumber men, but are sicker and more frail.
Centenarians are all races. Some farm, others surf the Internet. A comfortable, wealthy, pampered life doesn't necessarily guarantee long life. Some research is showing that genes don't hold all the keys. Born at the turn of the century, more such babies survived, thanks to vaccines, safe water and better public health.