Centenarians – A Rapidly Growing Demographic
I haven’t posted in a few days because I was traveling to California for my grandmother’s 100th birthday. I knew reaching the century milestone was pretty significant and rare – Aurora Laws Wong is the first in my family – but I had no idea that Centenarians are one of the fastest growing demographic in the U.S.
Aurora Wong
According to a Wiki post on the subject:
- In the course of the last four decades, the number of people reaching 100 has increased almost tenfold, so that now one in fifty women and one in two hundred men reach that age
According to the United Nations:
- By 2050, globally, there will be 2.2 million centenarians (compared to 135,000 in 1998) – that’s one in every 5000 people. The largest population of 100-year-olds will be in China with 472,000, the U.S. with 298,000, Japan with 272,000 and India with 111,000.
Interestingly, the United States currently has the greatest number of centenarians in the world, estimated at 96,548 on November 1, 2008. Japan is second, with 36,276 in September 2008. And, France has the highest rate of centenarians in percentage of the total population: 20,115 – 1 centenarian for 3,076 people. The rate is 1 per 3,522 in Japan and 1 per 3,300 in the United States.
Aurora Wong Laws, Teacher
My grandmother is a pretty cool lady. Born to a Cantonese father and Panamanian mother, Aurora Wong grew up in Panama’s Bocas del Toro province and Panama City’s Casco Viejo before there was much more to that city. She first worked as teacher in Panamanian schools, then as a member of the Ministerio de Educación, worked to advance the cause of education throughout Panama. She married Malcolm Laws, had five daughers, including my mother, and one son and split her time between Panama City and her beloved Dolega, in the Chiriqui province of Panama.
Aurora Laws Wong retires from teaching
Aurora was a constant figure in my youth, both in Panama and in California, and served as inspiration for studying science, teaching my children Spanish and keeping family traditions alive. I toast her!
Aurora Laws Wong Centenarian!
Coincidentally, my friend Larry’s grandmother just turned 100 as well. At 94, she ran for Congress. Pretty cool.
How do you think biotechnology will work to increase the number of individuals that reach and pass the century mark? My guess is they will increase significantly and their lives will be much more active.
Karl,
That was a wonderful commentary on your Grandmother! We appreciated your sharing of such beautiful memories of her past, and what a great person she is today at 100!
We were honored to be able to share in the day with this great celebration!
Thank you for this.
Con Amor,
Nancy
Karl,
I am impressed with your respect and admiration for your grandmother. I also congratulate her on turning 100! What a Blessing not only for her but for you and your family as well! God is merciful and loving, wouldn’t you say?
Rosalie Green
(Nancy’s sister)
Dear Karl,
Thank you for the nice pictures and story about Aurora and the very interesting
article about reaching 100. You have a very interesting family, with so many
nationalities. A true melting pot, and the best people have come from it.
Hugs & kisses to the family.
Fouad & Pam Charaf
Funtastic and enlightening . You can see your grandmother has lived a clean life . Many centenarians are skeletal looking but your grandmother radiates of good health , rosey cheeks , beautiful skin , eyes wide open , lively in spirit . Wonderful just sweet and more of this type news is reliving and uplifting .
Best
EB
Karl,
This is an absolutely fantastic look into the life of a very dynamic woman. She appears to have all the secrets to longevity down pat!
-EB