Supercentenarians are concentrated into regions with no birth certificates (biorxiv.org)

Article summary

A study found that supercentenarians are concentrated in regions with no birth certificates and short lifespans, suggesting that fraud and error may be contributing to remarkable age records. In the US, the introduction of birth certificates led to a significant decrease in supercentenarian records. In Italy, remarkable longevity was associated with low per capita incomes and short life expectancy. The study's findings challenge the idea that certain regions have a high percentage of supercentenarians due to healthy lifestyles or genetic factors.

Main themes

• supercentenarians
• vital registration
• fraud and error
• longevity
• demographic trends
• data quality

What commenters say

• The lack of birth certificates in certain regions may be contributing to fraudulent claims of supercentenarian status.
• Some commenters believe that the study's findings are evidence of widespread pension fraud in regions with high numbers of supercentenarians.
• Others argue that the study's conclusions are not supported by the data and that there may be alternative explanations for the observed trends.
• The idea that supercentenarians may be committing fraud by assuming the identity of older individuals is a plausible explanation for the phenomenon.
• Some commenters disagree with the study's characterization of certain regions, such as Sardinia, as having low literacy rates and high crime rates.
• The study's findings highlight the importance of accurate data and vital registration in understanding demographic trends.
• The possibility of fraud and error in remarkable age records undermines the idea that certain lifestyles or genetic factors can lead to exceptional longevity.
• Alternative explanations, such as the impact of diet and lifestyle on health, may be more relevant to understanding longevity than fraud or error.