In a new study, researchers found have discovered some of the secrets to longevity.
They found that not smoking and being socially engaged throughout older age are common traits of New Zealand centenarians.
The results show people can have some control over the aging process.
The research was conducted by a team at the University of Otago.
Being socially active means physically going out of your home and away from families and interacting with people whether that is visiting friends, volunteering, or participating in activities such as attending a concert or playing golf.
In the study, the team set out to test the factors linked to exceptionally healthy extreme old age.
They examined data relating to 292 centenarians who were free of common chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, dementia, and high blood pressure.
As of 2011, there are estimated to be between 400 to 500 centenarians living in New Zealand. Of these, fewer than 40 would be aged over 105. The mean age of those interviewed in the study was 101.
The centenarians were more likely to be female (75%) and in any age group, women were more likely to be free of the common chronic diseases outlined above.
The team also included information relating to a further 103,377 older people aged over 60. All of these people were living in private accommodation in the community and not in aged residential care.
The results showed the social engagement of participants, whereby they are participating in social activities of long-standing interest was similar across all age groups.
Rates of depression and diabetes declined steadily with increasing age and rates of dementia declined after the age of 80. High blood pressure rates increased by nearly 30% from age 60 to 100 years.
There is evidence that exercise improves health and length of life but in this study, most participants had a similar profile of physical activity and there was not sufficient spread of duration or intensity of physical activities to test the effects on aging.
However, among those surveyed the highest physical activity groups were at the lowest risk of dementia.
This study found higher rates of centenarians free of common chronic diseases in New Zealand than reported in other countries.
The team says the bio-psychosocial foundations of remarkable health and longevity among centenarians are still not fully understood.
Genetic factors, certain geographical locations, and life-style characteristics have all been studied in an effort to identify potential predisposing factors of exceptional longevity.
The leader of the study is Associate Professor Yoram Barak, a consultant psychogeriatrician.
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