Today we'll meet some centenarians and learn what 'cent' means.


Jack is just 1 of 715 South Australians enjoying life as a centenarian.

But he's the member of a club which is becoming less exclusive.

DR CHARMAINE POWER: It is predicted that within 7 to 10 years that number of centenarians will double and that that demographic will continue on in to the future, and that's really quite remarkable.

MICHAEL SMYTH: Charmaine Power is coordinating a research project on SA's centenarians.

The aim is to produce a book unlocking their secrets, and smashing some myths along the way.

CHARMAINE POWER: Not everyone who gets to that age ends up with Alzheimer's, which is a perception that a lot of people have.

Plenty of people are functioning really well in the community.

At the moment about 40 per cent are living independently in the community, about 17 per cent of those living on their own.

MICHAEL SMYTH: While advances in health care, sanitation and nutrition over the past century have helped prolong the lives of most Australians, researchers believe it still takes something special to make it to 100.

JACK AITKEN: If things go against you, well, don't let it get you down.

When I look back, the old life was simple.

It's more rushed now.

Now you expect more, and in my days you didn't expect a lot.

MICHAEL SMYTH: Jack may not be wearing the green and gold in Athens this year, but there are plenty of people half his age who couldn't do this.

But he's always worked hard, 11-hour days, six days a week until he retired.

And if having an easy life isn't the key to longevity, neither is fussing over food.

JACK AITKEN: They say fat is no good for you and all that.

We use to have chump chops with lot of fat on it.

Cook in beef fat, and they say it's no good to you.

I think eat what you like, but don't over-eat.

MICHAEL SMYTH: Despite hard work and a stodgy diet, Jack is still living an active life, and there are plenty of others his age doing the same.

ISOBELLE DOOLETTE: I don't worry about something that I can't do anything about.

What's the use?

MICHAEL SMYTH: Isobelle Doolette is about to turn 101.

She lives in a nursing home, but until two years ago was still living independently, and amazingly, like Jack, takes absolutely no medication.

Isobelle doesn't regard being a member of the centenarian club as anything particularly remarkable, expecting plenty of others to soon be joining her.

ISOBELLE DOOLETTE: I think that those that are 80 now will go on well after the 100.

If they are well -- if they are fit and well.

JACK AITKEN: You've got to keep going -- keeps your mind active, keeps your body active.

ISOBELLE DOOLETTE: Don't stay in the one spot, get moving.

There's a big wide world out there.