Centenarian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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centenarian
[ˌsɛn.təˈnɛə.ri.ən ]
Definition
age group
A centenarian is a person who has lived to be at least 100 years old. This term is commonly used to refer to the elderly, especially those who have surpassed a century of life. Centenarians are often celebrated for their longevity and may possess unique insights into life, health, and history due to their extensive experiences. The increasing number of centenarians in various parts of the world has been attributed to improvements in healthcare and nutrition.
Synonyms
elderly person, hundred-year-old, supercentenarian.
Examples of usage
- The nursing home had several centenarians living there.
- She was honored as the oldest centenarian in her community.
- There are many centenarians who have remarkable stories to share.
- The study focused on the health habits of centenarians.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Health
- Studies show that centenarians often have unique genetic markers that may contribute to their long life.
- They typically follow healthy lifestyles, including diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and low levels of stress.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, reaching the age of 100 is a significant milestone celebrated with parties and honors.
- Some societies consider centenarians as wise elders, and their advice is often sought in community matters.
Population Trends
- The number of centenarians is increasing globally due to advancements in health care and increased awareness about healthy living.
- Countries like Japan and Italy have notably high populations of centenarians, attributed to their diet and social structures.
Famous Centenarians
- Jeanne Calment from France is the oldest verified person, living to 122 years and 164 days!
- Notable centenarians include actress Olivia de Havilland and writer Kurt Vonnegut, who continued their work well into their later years.
Origin of 'centenarian'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin word 'centenarius', meaning 'pertaining to a hundred'.
- It combines 'centum' (hundred) with '-arian', a suffix that denotes a person connected to a certain condition or characteristic.
The term 'centenarian' originates from the Latin word 'centenarius', which means 'of a hundred'. This word itself derives from 'centum', meaning 'hundred'. The use of 'centenarian' in the English language dates back to the early 19th century. Historically, the concept of living to be 100 years old was rare, but advances in medical science, public health, and improved living conditions have made it more common in recent years. Today, centenarians are often the subject of study in gerontology, focusing on the factors that contribute to longevity and the quality of life in extreme old age.