Lorraine Williamson
In the picturesque corners of Spain, centenarians are not just living testimonies to history—they’re vibrant individuals full of life, dancing, gardening, and laughing, even in their 100s.
These remarkable figures, born long before modern luxuries, embody the enduring spirit of resilience. From times marked by war and hardship to living through the technological revolution, their stories stand as living history, offering lessons in perseverance and purpose.
Spain’s centenarians are a growing phenomenon
The number of centenarians in Spain is steadily increasing. In 2024, Spain was home to 16,902 individuals aged 100 and above, with the majority (83%) being women. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), this number is expected to skyrocket, reaching approximately 230,000 by 2075. What is driving this rise, and what can we learn from these extraordinary lives?
Notable centenarians who inspire
Angelina Torres Vallbona, the oldest living Spaniard at 112, hails from Catalonia. She was born in 1913, long before the world saw the advent of modern technology. Her story is one of enduring strength, as she navigated through wars and changing eras. Until 2024, María Branyas Morera, at 117, held the title of the world’s oldest person, her journey spanning nearly the entire 20th and early 21st centuries. Her life offered a window into profound societal shifts, from the Spanish flu to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These stories are not only poignant but also offer valuable insights into what contributes to living such long, rich lives. What stands out is not just the duration of life but the quality and vitality of their later years.
Living a rich life despite hardships
Centenarians in Spain have lived through periods of poverty, war, and personal loss. Yet, their resilience has allowed them to flourish in old age. Esperanza Cortiñas, a 108-year-old former dancer from León, recalls how “we had nothing, but we had each other,” highlighting the importance of connection in overcoming hardship.
Mónica de la Fuente, emeritus professor of physiology at the Complutense University of Madrid, explains that only 25% of longevity is determined by genetics. The rest is shaped by lifestyle, resilience, and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges. It is this adaptability that allows many of Spain’s centenarians to maintain active, meaningful lives well into their advanced years.
Galicia: A region of longevity
One of the most significant areas for centenarians in Spain is Galicia. Specifically, the provinces of Ourense, Lugo, and Pontevedra are home to a high concentration of these long-lived individuals. Belgian demographer Michel Poulain, co-creator of the Blue Zone concept, has focused his research on these municipalities, as their residents share a remarkable set of traits: active community life, a healthy diet, strong social bonds, and exceptional mental resilience.
While Galicia’s status as a Blue Zone—an area where people live significantly longer lives—is yet to be officially recognised, the evidence is compelling. Not only is the number of centenarians high, but their quality of life is equally impressive.
Centenarians who’ve defied the odds
Flori Almaraz Garrote, a 104-year-old from Castile, grew up under the shadow of the Spanish Civil War. Despite facing political repression and personal loss, she has remained a passionate advocate for social justice. Her strength and political consciousness have remained intact well into her later years. As she reflects on the modern world, she shares her belief in fundamental rights: “Everyone has the right to food, to health, to education. But these days, that seems harder than ever.”
Eustaquio Pérez, another centenarian from Galicia, offers a unique perspective on life. Having worked in construction, smuggling, and farming, he continues his daily routine of tending sheep at the age of 104. His philosophy on longevity? “Every year I live is a year I have resisted.”
The power of purposeful living
The secret to these extraordinary lives lies in their simplicity. For these centenarians, it’s not about living in luxury but about staying true to purpose and connection. Whether it’s tending to a garden, spending time with family, or maintaining a routine of daily work, the common thread is purpose. Their lives are imbued with meaning—not despite the challenges they’ve faced, but because of them.
Felisa González, 101, from the village of O Irixo, exemplifies this philosophy. Living independently, she maintains a vegetable garden and sells eggs and produce to support herself. Her secret to longevity? “Work hard, stay true to the rhythm of the day, and be grateful for what grows.”
Resilience is the key to long life
These centenarians prove that the secret to a long, fulfilling life is not about avoiding difficulties, but about embracing them. Whether it’s battling through war, loss, or personal hardship, resilience is the common factor. As José María Faílde, a gerontologist studying Galicia’s aging population, asserts, “It’s not the number of centenarians that matters, but the vitality they display.”
Spain’s centenarians are an inspiration, reminding us that aging is not merely a process of decline but a potential for growth, resilience, and richness. Their stories offer a glimpse into a lifestyle where the emphasis is not on luxury or perfection, but on connection, work, and purpose.
By highlighting their stories, Spain’s centenarians offer timeless lessons in resilience, purpose, and vitality. As the population continues to age, their lives remind us that aging doesn’t have to be a battle but can be a stage of great achievement. It is a powerful reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, it is possible to not only survive but thrive, with joy and purpose, throughout life.
Source: El País