Britain's increasing centenarian population signifies a need for reconsideration in health plans, according to an expert's viewpoint.

In a significant development, the number of centenarians (people aged 100 or more) in England and Wales has seen a notable increase, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The estimated population of those aged 90 years and over has grown to 550,835, a 2.1% jump since 2019, marking its highest-ever total. This trend is particularly notable as the number of UK centenarians has more than doubled since 2002.

This growth is attributed to improved public health and medical advances throughout their lifetimes. Living to a good age is influenced by both better healthcare and medicine as well as improved lifestyle factors.

As we grow older, our bodies undergo significant changes, and this increase in the number of centenarians may have implications for quality of life. For instance, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan, clinical lead at London Medical Laboratories, suggests that the increasing number of centenarians may require rethinking of retirement and healthcare provisions.

One crucial aspect of maintaining health in the elderly is ensuring adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, especially for the elderly who are at risk for bone loss. Calcium can be obtained from milk and other dairy products, some forms of tofu, dark green leafy vegetables, soybeans, canned sardines, salmon, and calcium-fortified foods. Elderly people may also need calcium supplements as they grow older.

The National Institute on Aging suggests that some people over 50 may need to take supplements and eat foods fortified with vitamin B12. This is because, as we age, there is an increased need for vitamin B12, which can be found in meat, fish, poultry, milk, fortified breakfast cereals, but some people over 50 may have trouble absorbing it naturally. A simple finger-prick vitamin B12 blood test can be used to monitor levels over time.

For those interested in a comprehensive health check, London Medical Laboratory offers a general health profile test. This test provides a check of liver and kidney function, bone health, iron levels, diabetes (HbA1c), and a full cholesterol profile. However, it appears that there are no specific London Medical Laboratory facilities mentioned in the available search results that offer these tests either by mail or for personal submission.

Interestingly, the ratio of female to male centenarians has almost halved in the last 20 years, with 4.5 women for every man in 2022. Wales had a higher percentage of people living to be 100 or over compared to England, with 27 people per 100,000 in Wales compared to 25 in England.

In 2022, the number of men living to be 100 or more was 2,730, up 5% from the previous year. The number of female centenarians in England and Wales increased by 3.5% in mid-2022, reaching 12,390.

This test can be taken at home through the post or at one of the many drop-in clinics across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores. This convenience offers an opportunity for more people to take control of their health and ensure they are meeting their nutritional needs as they age.

Britain's increasing centenarian population signifies a need for reconsideration in health plans, according to an expert's viewpoint.