Living to 100: the rise of the centenarian era
Do you know any centenarians – i.e. anyone who has reached the age of 100?
Some of the most famous centenarians include legendary comedian Bob Hope, Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas, and the Queen Mother – Queen Elizabeth.
Reaching the age of 100 was once a rare milestone – something you may dream about, like winning the lottery or traveling to outer space. But centenarians are no longer such rare exceptions.
If centenarians aren’t outliers anymore, that shakes up the way we approach aging, retirement, and healthcare.1 Let’s take a look at how this could affect you and your money.
The centenarian surge: is 100 the new 70?
In 2024, the United States is home to approximately 101,000 centenarians.2 Projections indicate this number will quadruple to around 422,000 by 2054, showing a significant demographic shift.3 And globally, the centenarian population is expected to rise from 722,000 in 2024 to nearly 4 million by 2054.4
U.S. demographics: could you live to 100?
Male vs. female: Currently, women make up about 78% of centenarians; but that figure is projected to adjust to 68% by 2054 as male longevity improves.5
No one can predict exactly how long you’ll live, but longevity is often effected by lifestyle choices, medical care, family health history, and more. Uncover more about gender and longevity in our piece, “Why do women live longer?”
Racial and ethnic groups: As of 2024, 77% of U.S. centenarians are White, followed by Black (8%), Asian (7%), and Hispanic (6%) individuals. By 2054, the shares of Hispanic and Black centenarians are expected to grow to 11% and 10%, respectively.6
Lifestyle and health: Research underscores the impact of lifestyle choices on longevity. If you’re interested in pursuing a centenarian’s blueprint, the Netflix documentary, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” is a worthy introduction. In the series, filmmakers take viewers around the world to investigate the diet and lifestyles of those living the longest lives. What they found aligns with advice you’ve likely heard before:
- Practice healthy habits: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and stress management are common among centenarians.
- Stay socially active: Keeping strong social connections and a sense of purpose contributes significantly to longevity.7 Read our guide on the top activities for seniors.
- …And then there’s genetics: While lifestyle is crucial, genetics also play a role, especially in those reaching 105 years and beyond.8
Do the math: preparing for a longer life
Living longer is a gift, but funding it is the challenge.
Just like early retirement, Social Security rules, and a turning market, longevity is a factor that should be considered in your financial plan.
Hopefully, today’s centenarians have been proactive…
Planning for retirement: A longer lifespan means you may need longer-term financial strategies. You want to rest easy at night knowing you have enough money to last.
Planning for healthcare costs: Longer life often means higher healthcare expenses, highlighting the need for comprehensive health coverage and savings.
If you’re worried about outliving your savings, you may need an additional source of retirement income to help. An annuity could help you close the gap. Talk to your financial professional about how annuities can provide growth potential and guaranteed* lifetime income, so you'll never run out of what you need most.
Embracing the centenarian future
As the centenarian population grows, being proactive with your health and financial planning is more needed than ever. By adopting healthy lifestyles and preparing financially, you can look forward to not just a longer life, but one that’s fulfilling and secure.
Remember: living to 100 isn’t just a medical milestone – it’s a financial one, too.