The Surprising Truth About Living to 100 12/2/25

Living to 100 has always felt like something that happens to a lucky few, but stories of centenarians are starting to paint a different picture. More people than ever are reaching that milestone, and many of them are doing so with surprising strength. They’re staying active, staying sharp, and often avoiding the major health issues we assume come with old age. Researchers say it’s a mix of good genes and simple habits: eating well, moving often, staying connected, and finding ways to handle stress without letting it take over.

What’s most striking is how these stories challenge the idea that aging automatically means decline. A lot of centenarians talk about living fully, not just living long. It’s a reminder that while we can’t choose our genetics, we do have control over how we show up in our own lives. The small, everyday choices — who we spend time with, what we eat, how we take care of our bodies — can add up to a future that feels not just longer, but better.

-Iverson