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Objective <p>This scoping review aims to comprehensively map and synthesize evidence on factors promoting exceptional longevity, focusing specifically on studies that included centenarians, semi-supercentenarians, and supercentenarians. By systematically examining genetic, biological, lifestyle, psychosocial, and environmental determinants, this review seeks to provide an integrative understanding of the mechanisms underlying extreme human longevity and identify critical knowledge gaps for future research.</p> Introduction <p>Exceptional longevity, defined as survival to 100&#xa0;years or beyond, represents a remarkable example of successful human aging. This scoping review synthesizes evidence from studies examining centenarians (individuals aged 100–104&#xa0;years), semi-supercentenarians (aged 105–109&#xa0;years), and supercentenarians (aged 110 + years) to identify factors promoting extreme longevity. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature reveals multiple intersecting domains: genetic factors; lifestyle; psychosocial characteristics; and the phenomenon of compression of morbidity whereby disease onset is delayed or avoided until late life. Furthermore, centenarians display distinct phenotypes—escapers, delayers, and survivors—representing different pathways to exceptional longevity. Gender differences are also notable, with women comprising approximately 75% of centenarians but men demonstrating better physical and cognitive health at extreme ages. Evidence indicates exceptional longevity results from complex gene-environment interactions, with genetic influence strengthening at older ages beyond 100&#xa0;years.</p> Methods <p>This scoping review adopted Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Framework. This structured approach ensures a systematic, transparent process, aligning with best practices in scoping review methodology. The information sources for this scoping review included all types of scientific and grey literature including reports from scientific, medical, or government institutions. In addition to longitudinal observational cohort and case–control studies conducted on centenarians, semi-supercentenarians, supercentenarians, published in English with open access from Jan 1970 to Dec 2025. Research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, grey literature for the same timeframe are also included. Multiple electronic databases were searched, and the reference lists of included studies were screened. Screening and data extraction was conducted by 3 independent researchers. A fourth researcher was consulted shall any discrepancies arose.</p> Results <p>A search in 3 electronic databases yielded 4647 records. After duplicate removal, 1134 unique studies underwent title and abstract screening. Following the application of eligibility criteria, 1010 records were excluded. The remaining 124 full-text articles were agreed upon for eligibility, including 48 qualitative and 76 quantitative articles for literature and data extraction depicted in a PRISMA flowchart.</p> Conclusions <p>This scoping review is the first of its kind mapping the inter-related factors promoting longevity and healthy, exceptional ageing. It also includes a critical reflection on the methodological limitations and future prospects inherent in centenarian research.</p>

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Scoping review unravelling longevity secrets beyond the century mark

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Shaima Ibrahim,
  • Wafa Abu El Kheir-Mataria,
  • Omnia Abdelrahim,
  • Sungsoo Chun

摘要

Objective

This scoping review aims to comprehensively map and synthesize evidence on factors promoting exceptional longevity, focusing specifically on studies that included centenarians, semi-supercentenarians, and supercentenarians. By systematically examining genetic, biological, lifestyle, psychosocial, and environmental determinants, this review seeks to provide an integrative understanding of the mechanisms underlying extreme human longevity and identify critical knowledge gaps for future research.

Introduction

Exceptional longevity, defined as survival to 100 years or beyond, represents a remarkable example of successful human aging. This scoping review synthesizes evidence from studies examining centenarians (individuals aged 100–104 years), semi-supercentenarians (aged 105–109 years), and supercentenarians (aged 110 + years) to identify factors promoting extreme longevity. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature reveals multiple intersecting domains: genetic factors; lifestyle; psychosocial characteristics; and the phenomenon of compression of morbidity whereby disease onset is delayed or avoided until late life. Furthermore, centenarians display distinct phenotypes—escapers, delayers, and survivors—representing different pathways to exceptional longevity. Gender differences are also notable, with women comprising approximately 75% of centenarians but men demonstrating better physical and cognitive health at extreme ages. Evidence indicates exceptional longevity results from complex gene-environment interactions, with genetic influence strengthening at older ages beyond 100 years.

Methods

This scoping review adopted Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Scoping Review Framework. This structured approach ensures a systematic, transparent process, aligning with best practices in scoping review methodology. The information sources for this scoping review included all types of scientific and grey literature including reports from scientific, medical, or government institutions. In addition to longitudinal observational cohort and case–control studies conducted on centenarians, semi-supercentenarians, supercentenarians, published in English with open access from Jan 1970 to Dec 2025. Research articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, grey literature for the same timeframe are also included. Multiple electronic databases were searched, and the reference lists of included studies were screened. Screening and data extraction was conducted by 3 independent researchers. A fourth researcher was consulted shall any discrepancies arose.

Results

A search in 3 electronic databases yielded 4647 records. After duplicate removal, 1134 unique studies underwent title and abstract screening. Following the application of eligibility criteria, 1010 records were excluded. The remaining 124 full-text articles were agreed upon for eligibility, including 48 qualitative and 76 quantitative articles for literature and data extraction depicted in a PRISMA flowchart.

Conclusions

This scoping review is the first of its kind mapping the inter-related factors promoting longevity and healthy, exceptional ageing. It also includes a critical reflection on the methodological limitations and future prospects inherent in centenarian research.