Once, reaching the age of 100 seemed like a rare feat, but if you reside in the United States, you’ll be intrigued to learn that your chances are on the rise. Projections from the US Census Bureau (USCB) indicate a fourfold increase in the number of American centenarians over the next 30 years.
With the current US population just below 336 million, approximately 101,000 individuals are aged 100 or above, constituting a mere 0.03 percent of the populace. However, the USCB estimates this proportion will climb to 0.1 percent by 2054. While this may appear modest, it translates to an additional 300,000 centenarians – a number that could fill three extra Michigan Stadiums.
This notable surge is not entirely surprising, given that the count of centenarians in the US has been steadily rising since the 1950s. At that time, only 2,300 American centenarians were believed to exist. In less than a century, this demographic has multiplied nearly 44 times over, highlighting a remarkable and ongoing trend in increased longevity.
U.S. centenarians projected to quadruple in number by 2054
The United States currently hosts the second-largest population of centenarians globally, with Japan securing the top spot at 146,000 individuals. This reflects a broader international trend of population aging, as projections suggest the worldwide count of centenarians will nearly reach 4 million by 2054. Notably, the largest group is anticipated to be in China, where it is estimated that six out of every 10,000 individuals will be aged 100 or older.
The potential consequences of an aging population remain uncertain, relying on projection models and informed estimations. However, there is concern that it could exert pressure on healthcare systems and economies. Despite these challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge that some older individuals maintain robust health comparable to those several decades younger.
The vast majority of Americans in their 100s are women, White
Within the growing cohort of centenarians, another ongoing trend is anticipated to persist, albeit with some fluctuations: the majority are predominantly women and primarily of white ethnicity. Currently, 78 percent of centenarians in the US are women, and 77 percent are white. Projections for 2054 suggest a decrease in these percentages to 68 percent for women and 72 percent for those of white ethnicity.
The five countries with the largest centenarian populations
The United States currently hosts the second-largest population of centenarians globally, with Japan securing the top spot at 146,000 individuals. This reflects a broader international trend of population aging, as projections suggest the worldwide count of centenarians will nearly reach 4 million by 2054. Notably, the largest group is anticipated to be in China, where it is estimated that six out of every 10,000 individuals will be aged 100 or older.