More nominations of centenarians needed

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The Archon Genomics X Prize presented by Medco still is looking for centenarians to be part of the Medco 100 Over 100, said Ann Smith of Medco Health Solutions.

More than 100 names have been submitted, Smith said, but so far only 38 have been chosen. The first of those was George Eberhardt, 107, a New Jerseyan who retired from his engineering career at Drew University in 2005, when he was a mere 101. Eberhardt attributes his long life to his wife of 70 years, Marie.

Those chosen for the Medco 100 Over 100 must be at least 100, cognizant and currently without a serious disease, a news release from the sponsors said. But it’s even better if the individual is at least 105.

“If you’re 105 or above it’s a greater probability that your age is related to genetics and not the environment,” said Grant Campany, senior director of the competition.

You can learn more, or submit your name or the name of a loved one, at www.genomics.xprize.org/medco-100-over-100. Nominations are being accepted through May.

You can see pictures and read profiles of people who already have been nominated (including Aurora native Sara Cina) at www.genomics.xprize.org/

life-at-100-plus.

Tags: news, health