A massive Swedish study found that people with certain blood values—especially balanced levels of sugar, kidney, and liver markers—were more likely to become centenarians.
Living to 100 used to be rare. But today, more people than ever are reaching this incredible milestone. In fact, those aged 100 and above are now the fastest-growing age group in the world. Scientists are eager to understand what makes these people different—and a groundbreaking new study suggests part of the answer may lie in our blood.
Researchers from Sweden tracked the health of over 44,000 people, analyzing blood test results taken decades ago. They discovered that people who lived to 100 had some common patterns in their blood that set them apart from others.
A closer look at 44,637 lives
The study followed people born between 1893 and 1920, all from Stockholm County. Their routine blood tests, taken between 1985 and 1996, were compared to how long they lived. Over time, 1,224 of them reached age 100—most of them women, which matches other research showing women tend to live longer.
But what stood out most were the blood markers—especially how some levels predicted longer life, even when measured decades earlier.
What the blood tells us
The scientists examined 12 common blood markers, such as:
Glucose (blood sugar)
Cholesterol
Creatinine (for kidney health)
Liver enzymes like GGT and ALP
Iron levels and uric acid
Albumin, a protein linked to nutrition
People with extremely high or low values were less likely to reach 100. In particular, lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid were more common among centenarians.
“For example, very few of the centenarians had a glucose level above 6.5 earlier in life,” explained lead researcher Karin Modig.
The twist with cholesterol and iron
Interestingly, the study found that higher cholesterol levels were actually linked to longer life—especially in older adults. This may seem surprising, but earlier studies have shown that for people in their 80s and 90s, high cholesterol might not be as harmful as once thought.
Very low iron levels also seemed to lower a person’s chances of living to 100, suggesting that keeping nutrient levels balanced—not too high or too low—is key.
The big takeaway? Staying in the healthy middle range for your blood test results could help increase your chances of living a long life. That means:
Watching your blood sugar
Supporting kidney and liver health
Avoiding extreme highs or lows in cholesterol and iron
While genetics and luck still play a role, your daily choices—like eating well, staying active, and getting regular checkups—can also make a big difference.
This research doesn’t mean you should obsess over your lab results. But it’s a powerful reminder that long life is often built on steady, healthy habits. If you’re hoping to live a longer, healthier life, consider focusing on small changes now that can make a big impact later.
Would you change your lifestyle to live to 100? Share your thoughts and inspire others to think about their future health.