Vilnius: Women aged 100 and above in Lithuania outnumber men by roughly six to one, according to newly released national data published on Monday. Lithuania was home to 428 centenarians at the start of the year, including 368 women and 60 men, figures from the country's Centre of Registers showed, LRT news reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, Migle Tomkuviene, a researcher at the Vilnius University Life Sciences Centre, highlighted biological and behavioral factors contributing to women's longer life expectancy. She noted that the female hormone estrogen offers protection against cardiovascular disease, which was responsible for 50.8% of all deaths in Lithuania in 2024, as reported by the Institute of Hygiene.
Tomkuviene explained that women generally tend to maintain healthier lifestyles and avoid harmful habits. She also mentioned the evolutionary 'grandmother hypothesis,' suggesting that women may live longer to assist in caring for grandchildren and supporting family survival.
Research has shown that genetics accounts for about 20% of longevity, although estimates can reach up to 50%. Tomkuviene emphasized that lifestyle and environment remain crucial, with factors such as physical activity, diet, sleep quality, mental well-being, air quality, and exposure to illness or injury all influencing life expectancy.
Tomkuviene remarked that individuals with long-lived parents might also expect to live long lives if they do not compromise their genetic potential with unhealthy lifestyles. Scientists have identified certain genes associated with longevity, including those that enhance DNA repair, enabling cells to function properly for longer. However, these genes represent only a small portion of overall lifespan outcomes.
Lithuania's oldest resident recently turned 110. While some researchers speculate that humans could potentially live up to 150 years, Tomkuviene stated that the currently verified maximum lifespan remains approximately 120 years. She also mentioned that advances in personalized medicine and preventive screening could extend healthy life expectancy, which currently exceeds 60 years in Lithuania.