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VERIFY: Are more people turning 100 years old?

With modern medicine and technology, people can live longer, but how much longer?

A Warner Robins woman celebrates 100 years of life. With modern medicine and technology, people can live longer, but how much longer? We set out to verify: Are more people hitting the 100-year-old mark? The 13WMAZ sources are Dr. Rommer Tayag, who specializes in geriatrics and internal medicine, and the United States Census Bureau.

Evelyn Vashey spent the day with friends and family after living for a century. Her family says she has quite the sense of humor. Her nephew, Harry Gerard, says she lived a good life and he hopes to live that long.

"Aunt Evelyn was always a hardworking lady and she was a nurse. She delivered hundreds of babies," said Gerard.

The United States Census Bureau says in 2010, there were about 54,000 100 year-olds. In 2013, there were about 66,000, and in 2017, there were about 86,000 people living at the 100-year mark.

"We are seeing more and more people living longer as compared to decades ago," said Doctor Tayag.

So it's verified -- there are more 100-year-olds. Dr. Tayag says a long life depends on genetics and the environment. He recommends people live a healthy lifestyle and get tested for diseases.

"There's diseases like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cancer," said Doctor Tayag.

Back at the nursing home, worker Cameron Moseley says she hopes to spend more years with Vashey.

"This is our first of a few, but, definitely, people are starting to live longer, and I'm definitely happy about that," said Moseley.

Dr. Tayag says even young people should get tested for certain genetic diseases that may affect someone's lifespan.

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