Those lucky enough to reach the impressive milestone are often confronted with the same question: Just what is their secret to a long and healthy life?
A study of centenarians has shown that many of those who make it to 100 are part of a lucky few who manage to avoid developing common diseases such as cancer。
Many centenarians report being in better health than pensioners years younger than them, remaining fit and healthy right up until their final few weeks and months。
They are also more likely to have enjoyed healthier lifestyles when they were younger, say researchers。
Experts say that a quarter of children born in Britain today can expect to live to 100 and believe there will be a twelve-fold increase of centenarians over the next 30 years。
There was an estimated 12,640 centenarians in Britain last year, but this number is expected to reach 500,000 over the next few decades。