For 50 years, Swedish researchers have followed the health of 855 Gothenburg men born in 1913. The first surveys were conducted in 1963, and now that the study is ending –232 of the subjects reached 80 years, 111 reached age 90, and 10 have celebrated their 100th birthday. Factors that appear to associate with this extended longevity include: refrain from smoking, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and consume no more than four cups of coffee a day. Demonstrating good fitness in one’s 50s also appears to be a contributing factor. Additionally, home ownership (corresponding to socioeconomic status) appeared to have a role. Longer-lived study participants had a mother who lived for a long time, suggesting a genetic component to longevity as suggested by other studies.
