Tell us: are you a UK centenarian or do you know one?

UK Centenarians Share Life Experiences as Century Passes

The UK's population of centenarians – individuals aged 100 and above – has exploded in recent years, doubling from 8,300 in 2004 to an astonishing 16,600 by 2024. According to the Office for National Statistics, this remarkable surge is largely attributed to a significant increase in male centenarians, whose numbers have tripled from 910 to 3,100 over the same period.

In stark contrast, female centenarians have seen their numbers nearly double, rising from 7,400 to 13,600 between 2004 and 2024. This trend speaks volumes about changing demographics and societal factors at play in the UK's aging population.

As we mark this significant milestone – a century that has witnessed seismic events, historic turning points, and unprecedented technological advancements – we want to hear from those who have seen it all firsthand: centenarians, their loved ones, or friends. What lessons would you impart on your younger self? How do you attribute your remarkable longevity?

By sharing your experiences and insights, you'll be helping us better understand what it takes to live a long life in the 21st century. Whether it's a specific secret, a way of life, or simply a perspective shaped by witnessing an entire century unfold, we invite you to join this conversation.

I'm like totally fascinated by these centenarians ! Living to be 100+ is def not easy, and I think it's amazing that they're willing to share their wisdom with us. As someone who's always believed in self-care and living life to the fullest, I think what impresses me most about them is how adaptable they've been throughout the years . From having to deal with wars, pandemics, and social changes, it's mind-blowing that they're still kicking!

I personally think that their key to longevity lies in maintaining a sense of purpose and staying connected with loved ones . They must be doing something right, haha! Anyway, I'd love to hear from them about how they've navigated the ups and downs of life over the past century . It's always inspiring to learn from people who've seen it all go down .

I think its not just about longevity, its about adapting to life! My grandma lived with her husband till she was 103 and then when he passed away she moved in with me and she still had the energy to cook her famous apple cake . She'd say it's all about maintaining a sense of purpose and keeping your mind sharp, but I think its also about embracing change and being open to new experiences - like my grandma suddenly taking up painting at 80 something years old !

man I remember when my grandma used to tell me about how she lived through WW2 she was only 10 when the war started and had to grow up so fast, but she always said it made her strong and resilient. nowadays it's like they're just taking meds or something and suddenly you're a centenarian lol no offense I think its amazing that these people are willing to share their stories and lessons learned with us younger folks...it's like we can learn so much from them about living life on our own terms

just think about all those people living till 100+ that means so many stories to be told! I'm kinda curious what their daily routines were like back in the day, like did they have access to modern tech or was it a total different ball game? and omg how do they deal with the loneliness of watching all these generations come and go? gotta love that you're sharing their wisdom & experiences though

People should get married, have kids and not be afraid of growing old

I think its pretty cool that people are living longer lives now , but I also wonder if its all good news? Like, what happens when everyone gets to 100+? Is the system ready for us all? Are there enough resources and healthcare options available for ppl who need 'em? I dont know man, id just wanna make sure every centenarian has a comfy place to live and eat well

I'm not convinced about these numbers . I mean, have they actually verified that all these centenarians are still alive? It's just a doubling in 20 years, seems too good to be true . And what's the source of this data again? Is it from the ONS or some fancy study published in a small journal? We need more info before we start celebrating like it's going out of style .

I mean, can you believe it? Centenarians are like superheroes, right? They've seen empires rise and fall, music go from vinyl to streaming, and technology transform from rotary phones to smartphones . I'm all for wanting to hear their stories and learn from them, but at the same time, it's crazy to think about how much has changed in just a century... like, remember when CDs were a thing? . Seriously though, what are some of these secrets to living long that we can learn from? Is it all about diet and exercise? Or is there something more to it? I'd love to hear their thoughts on that .

omg ur gonna love dis lol just think about all the history that centenarians got to witness - 2 world wars, the rise of technology, and so much more! i think its super cool dat they get to share their experiences w/ us. i mean, who wouldn't wanna know what it's like 2 live through all that? but idk, maybe dey just got lucky w/ good genes or somethin . whatever it is, i'm defo glad we can learn from dem & get a better idea of how 2 live longer, healthier lives

Man I'm totally fascinated by these centenarians! It's wild to think that their lifespan has basically doubled in the last 20 years . I mean, can you imagine living through two world wars, seeing the rise and fall of empires, and witnessing technological advancements that seem like science fiction to us today?

I think it's really interesting that male centenarians have seen their numbers triple, while female centenarians have only nearly doubled . Maybe there's something in the way we care for our elderly or what kind of lifestyle they lead that makes a difference?

You know I'd love to hear from some of these centenarians themselves! What's their secret? Have they got any advice for us on how to live longer, healthier lives?

I'm loving how the UK is getting more centenarians, but let's talk about why that's happening - is it because they're getting better healthcare and living conditions? It just seems like a lot of boomers are making it to 100 now and I'm wondering if it's because they're adapting to the times better than younger people. I mean, what does this say about our society? Are we doing enough to support our elderly? Shouldn't we be learning more from these centenarians than just how to live a long life - what can we do for the rest of us who aren't as lucky?

I'm not surprised to see all these centenarians popping up – I mean, who doesn't want to live forever, right? But seriously, it's crazy to think about how much the world has changed in just a century. When my grandparents were around 100, they thought they'd reached old age! Now, it's all about how they can keep up with TikTok and memes.

I'm intrigued by these centenarians' secrets to longevity – does it have anything to do with the fact that people back then just lived life at a slower pace? I mean, think about it, no smartphones, fewer social pressures... maybe they just enjoyed each other's company more and didn't worry as much about what others thought. It's like they've figured out a way to live life without the constant need for validation from strangers on the internet.

Still, I'm curious to hear their stories – what were some of the most significant moments in their lives? How did they cope with loss and change throughout all those years? That kind of wisdom is worth sharing.