The number of people living beyond 100 continues to rise across Central Asia. Experts attribute the trend to better medical care, declining infant mortality rates, and overall improvements in living standards. However, the distribution of centenarians across the region remains uneven.

Tajikistan: A Steady Increase

According to the Social Insurance and Pension Agency, 415 citizens over the age of 100 are currently registered in Tajikistan. The country’s average life expectancy has reached 76.6 years.

Among Tajikistan’s oldest residents are 120-year-old Marziyamoh Ibodova from Darvaz and 117-year-old Gulrakhat Nazarova from Dangara. Experts say rising life expectancy is closely linked to economic progress, advances in cardiovascular treatment, and improved access to healthcare.

Uzbekistan: A Record-Breaking Claim

Uzbekistan leads the region with 514 centenarians as of January 1, 2024, comprising 404 women and 110 men. The highest concentration is in the Kashkadarya Region, which is home to 92.

One extraordinary case has drawn global attention. Khuvaydo Umarova (Toshmatova), a resident of Karakum mahalla in the Buvayda District, was officially recognized by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice in September 2025 as having turned 130.

Born on January 1, 1895, her birth had gone unregistered for decades. Following verification of her documents, Khuvaydo-mum is now slated for entry into the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest living person.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Moderate Numbers

Kazakhstan’s oldest known resident is a 115-year-old woman from the Ulytau Region. Most of the country’s centenarians live in Almaty (58), followed by the Turkestan Region (53) and the Almaty Region (37).

In Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Health Minister Bubuzhan Arykbaeva reports approximately 300 citizens over 100 years old. This places the country fourth in Central Asia in terms of centenarian population.

A Global Phenomenon

Globally, an estimated 630,000 people are over the age of 100, according to recent United Nations data. Japan tops the list, accounting for one in five of the world’s centenarians. Life expectancy in Japan is 88 years for women and 82 for men, followed by the United States, China, and India.

Doctors emphasize that longevity is often the result of consistent habits: regular physical activity like walking, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and routine medical check-ups. Avoiding smoking and alcohol is equally critical.

Genetics also play a significant role, those with long-lived relatives have a higher chance of living to an advanced age.

By Vagit Ismailov