The population worldwide is getting older and older, with the number of people over 65 expected to double by 2050, according to a new report released by the National Institute on Aging. And the number of people living to over 100 -- the United Nations estimated there were around 180,000 centenarians worldwide in 2000 -- also is expected to rapidly multiply.
At just one retirement community in Providence, Rhode Island, they're amazed to have six centenarian residents, the Associated Press reports. They spoke to a few of the folks who've been lucky enough to enter the triple-digits and learned what they believe has helped them live so long.
Samuel Bender, 100, is still quite the gym bunny. Bender likes to keep fit with a variety of exercises, including swimming, and also credits a happy 73-year marriage (and good food) for his long life.
To put his age in perspective, Bender says when he was growing up they had a single electricity-powdered lightbulb in his home and his family relied on a horse and buggy to get around.
Another resident, Elsa Zopfi, is still spunky as ever at 104. She still gets her hair dyed and says she doesn't like to go overboard these days when it comes to fitness. Zopfi's main form of exercise is walking as much as she can.
Robert Kenyon, 102, is said to be an avid reader and tries not to think too much about how old he is.
But even with their differing interests, there's one similarity between the three. They are all said to have a great sense of humor and they all make sure to stay social in their community.
Other centenarians have attributed their longevity to everything from ice cream and booze, to avoiding men and eating bacon everyday.
Maybe life really is too short to be taken too seriously!
h/t AP
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