Centenarian

A centenarian is a person who has attained the age of 100 years or more. The term is associated with longevity because average life expectancies across the world are far from 100. Much rarer, a supercentenarian is a person who has lived to the age of 110 or more.

Related Topics:
Age - Year - Longevity - Life expectancies - Supercentenarian

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Japan currently has the greatest number of centenarians in the world, numbering over 20,000 in the year 2005. Many experts attribute this (and Japan's very high life expectancy) to the Japanese diet, which is particularly low in fats. Japanese centenarians receive a silver cup and a certificate from the Prime Minister of Japan upon their 100th birthday, honouring them for their longevity and prosperity in their lives. September 15th was subsequently named "National Respect for the Aged Day", a national holiday in Japan.

Related Topics:
Japan - 2005 - Life expectancy - Diet - Prime Minister of Japan - Birthday - September 15th - "National Respect for the Aged Day"

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In the United States, centenarians traditionally receive a letter from the president upon reaching their 100th birthday, congratulating them for their longevity. Willard Scott of NBC's Today show has also named them on air since 1983. In the United Kingdom, the Queen sends greetings (formerly as a telegram) on the 100th birthday and on every birthday starting with the 105th.

Related Topics:
United States - President - Willard Scott - NBC - Today - 1983 - United Kingdom - Queen - Telegram

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Among Hindus, people who touch the feet of elders are often blessed with "May you live a hundred years". In Poland, Sto lat, a wish to live a hundred years, is a traditional form of praise and good wishes; the Jewish tradition, however, is more ambitious, "May you live as long as Moses", or 120 years. Chinese emperors were hailed to live ten thousand years.

Related Topics:
Hindu - Poland - Moses - Live ten thousand years

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