Using the data of the subject of "the health and longevity of Chinese old people in advanced age" in 1998, the article firstly analyses the characteristics of the Chinese centennial old people.This investigation took about 50% sampling counties and cities random from 22 provinces and visited all centennial old peoplewho live in the areas.The Chinese centennial old people are a group of population, which are mainly females, illiteracy, and the bereaved of their spouse.They have common natures of optimistic, generous and open-minded.Most of them were engaged in agriculture or household chores when they were young.They have no pension and no alternative but to depend on the families for their support, looking after and consolation.They generally live in their families that are in favor of providing for them at home.The Chinese centennial old people are relatively healthy and live a relatively satisfactory life, but there are quite large proportion of them who need help of others in the daily life either partial or total.
基金项目：
作者简介：
楚军红(1969-),女,河南禹县人,北京大学人口研究所副教授,博士。
参考文献：
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