"Blue Zones" exhibit patterns indicative of pension fraud

Research on supercentenarians—individuals aged 110 and older—has revealed patterns suggesting that many age records may be influenced by clerical errors and potential pension fraud. The study indicates that in the United States, the lack of vital registration correlates with supercentenarian status, with the introduction of birth certificates leading to a significant decline in reported supercentenarians. In contrast, countries like Italy, England, and France, which have more consistent vital registration, show that factors such as poverty, low income, and higher crime rates are associated with remarkable longevity. Notably, over half of the regional variations in supercentenarian status in England and France can be attributed to old-age poverty rates. The research also highlights that only 18% of verified supercentenarians possess a birth certificate, with a peculiar concentration of birthdates on days divisible by five, suggesting widespread inaccuracies. Furthermore, the so-called "blue zones" known for high longevity, such as Sardinia and Okinawa, are actually linked to lower income and higher deprivation levels than their national averages. This study challenges traditional views on longevity, proposing that relative poverty and shorter life expectancy may be unexpected predictors of supercentenarian status, while also emphasizing the role of fraud and clerical errors in age documentation.

- Supercentenarian records may be influenced by clerical errors and pension fraud.

- Lack of vital registration in the U.S. correlates with higher supercentenarian status.

- Poverty and low income are significant predictors of longevity in certain countries.

- Only 18% of verified supercentenarians have birth certificates.

- "Blue zones" associated with longevity may actually reflect lower socioeconomic conditions.