For most of human history, reaching 100 wasn’t just rare — it was legendary. But today, thanks to advances in medicine, hygiene, and living standards, more people than ever are blowing out triple-digit candles. Even so, one question continues to fascinate scientists and the public alike:
Why do some people reach 100 while others don’t?
A team of Swedish researchers decided to explore that mystery in an unexpected way — not through miracle foods or secret routines, but through something almost boring in its simplicity: routine blood tests taken decades before old age.
Their mission was bold: can everyday lab values give hints about who’s most likely to become a centenarian?
Using Sweden’s extensive national health registers, researchers analyzed the long-term outcomes of more than 44,000 adults whose blood was drawn back in the 1980s and 1990s. By following these individuals for up to 35 years, they were able to identify subtle patterns linking ordinary biomarkers to exceptional longevity.
And the results were surprisingly clear.
The Study Behind the Discovery
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