A rapidly growing segment of UnitedHealthcare’s membership is turning 100. While UHC already serves a significant centenarian population, that number is expected to grow. This shift reinforces the importance of value-based care models that improve long-term health outcomes and reduce costs by prioritizing quality care over volume. As more members reach this milestone, UHC remains committed to supporting well-being and independence throughout life’s later stages with care designed to meet changing needs.
The big picture: In fact, centenarians are the fastest-growing demographic in the nation, projected to quadruple by 2054, from 101,000 to 422,000.
Why it matters: Centenarians are living proof of what’s possible with consistent, quality care and their stories reflect the impact of holistic well-being.
Inside the research
UHC surveyed 100 Americans aged 100-plus to better understand their experiences, values and perspectives. Here are the key findings:
1. Being healthy goes beyond absence of illness and encompasses a holistic view of body, mind, emotion and spirit.
2. Centenarians are consistently defying stereotypes around aging, expressing strong desire to remain active, adaptable, socially engaged and mentally sharp. They are active participants on social media, own and use smartphones and are engaging with newer technology such as ChatGPT.
3. On average, centenarians say they feel 68 years old, which is 11 years younger than those surveyed a decade ago.
4. Centenarians believe emotional resilience gained over time helps lead to more profound understanding of life’s value and an increased ability to find joy.
“Having meaningful relationships offers consistent emotional support and encouragement,” one member said. “This combats isolation, which is very detrimental to both mental and physical well-being as you get older.”
“I started to feel ‘older’ at age 99 when I had an unfortunate accident that had me in the hospital, rehab and bed for over four months…and had to move from my upstairs apartment because I could no longer manage the many steps to one on a lower lever which I'm still getting used to,” one member said.
73% of centenarians surveyed said it’s somewhat or very easy to maintain a positive outlook.
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