100jährigen

100jährigen is the German term used to refer to people aged 100 years or more. In standard German, the noun form for the group is Hundertjährige (plural). The masculine singular is Hundertjähriger and the feminine singular is Hundertjährige, with the plural forms varying by grammatical case. The term is commonly used in demographic and gerontological contexts.

Centenarians represent a small but growing demographic in many countries as life expectancy increases and health outcomes improve. They are most commonly documented in high-income nations with advanced healthcare systems. Countries such as Japan, Italy, and some Western European populations have relatively large numbers of centenarians per capita, though exact counts depend on data collection methods and definitions used by researchers.

Health and aging among centenarians is diverse. While many reach extreme ages with varying degrees of independence, others experience typical age-related conditions. Research indicates that longevity results from a combination of genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors (such as physical activity and non-smoking habits), nutrition, and social support. Centenarians are frequently studied in gerontology to understand aging trajectories, resilience, and the mechanisms that contribute to longer life.

Notable examples in the century-long cohort include Jeanne Calment of France, who lived to 122, the oldest verified lifespan on record. More broadly, lists of the oldest documented people are maintained by research organizations and offer insight into global patterns of extreme aging.