A study of centenarians, whose numbers in Britain are predicted to “explode” to reach 500,000 over the next few decades, found that many avoid developing common diseases such as cancer.
 

Others remain fit and well until the last few months of their long lives, having enjoyed healthy lifestyles when younger, and they often report better health than younger pensioners, who may not live as long.
 

However some studies have indicated that the oldest people in society - currently mainly women - may be at greater risk of degenerative conditions such as dementia as well as blindness.
 

In addition those who reach their 100th birthday are prone to be lonely as friends and spouses may not survive as long as them, while even their children are likely to be less mobile.
 

Centenarians are likely to live in communal housing and are at risk of falling into poverty, not least because they will have spent as long in retirement as they did in their working careers.
 

Read the full article at Telegraph.co.uk