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Can Your Blood Type Affect How Long You Live? What Science Says About Reaching 100
Living to 100 years old is still a rare accomplishment, but it’s far more common today than it was in previous generations.
Global population data shows that the number of centenarians—people who live to age 100 or beyond—has been steadily increasing and is expected to grow significantly in the decades ahead. This trend has fueled scientific interest in a longstanding question:
What helps some people enjoy exceptionally long lives?
The answer appears to involve a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits, environment, healthcare, social relationships, and even chance. By studying those who reach remarkable ages, researchers hope to uncover clues that can help everyone age more healthily.
A Swedish Study Spanning Decades
One of the largest investigations into longevity was conducted in Sweden.
Researchers examined health records from 44,637 people in Stockholm County who were born between 1893 and 1920. Participants underwent routine blood testing during the 1980s and 1990s, and scientists tracked their health and survival for up to 35 years.
Of those studied, 1,224 individuals eventually celebrated their 100th birthday. Most were women, supporting previous findings that women generally outlive men.
The goal of the study was to determine whether blood markers measured earlier in life could predict who was most likely to achieve exceptional longevity.
Key Blood Markers Associated With Longer Life
Researchers analyzed numerous indicators linked to metabolism, organ function, inflammation, nutrition, and overall health.
One pattern became clear: individuals who reached age 100 were less likely to have extreme blood-test results.
Rather than unusually high or low values, centenarians tended to maintain healthier levels across several measurements, including:
Lower blood glucose levels
Better kidney function
Reduced uric acid levels
Lower signs of chronic inflammation
These differences were evident decades before participants reached old age, suggesting that long-term biological balance may play an important role in longevity.
The Importance of Blood Sugar Control
Blood glucose emerged as a particularly significant factor.
Those who eventually became centenarians were less likely to have elevated blood sugar levels earlier in life. This finding supports existing evidence that stable glucose levels may help reduce stress on the body and lower the risk of chronic age-related diseases.
Small health advantages maintained over many years can add up to meaningful long-term benefits.
Cholesterol and Iron Aren’t So Simple
The study also revealed some surprising findings regarding cholesterol.