HOW TO LIVE TO 100

NEW RESEARCH REVEALS AUSSIES ARE LIVING LONGER THAN EVER. SO WHAT'S THE SECRET TO A LONG LIFE?

- Brigid Auchettl

Australians are living longer than ever before. New research published in July by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that the life expectancy of humans has more than doubled since 1900.

Across Australia there are now about 4250 people aged 100 years or older. This figure has statisticians predicting that by 2050, we will have more than 50,000 people who’ve made it past a century!

So, why are we living longer? Head of the AIHW Population Health Group, Richard Juckes tells New Idea there are many reasons behind increased life expectancy in Australia.

“Improved medical knowledge and technology, the widespread availability of antibiotics and vaccines, healthcare availability and access, improved living conditions and overall increasing wealth in Australia have all contributed to lowering death rates and increasing life expectancy,” Richard says.