WASHINGTON, D.C. (The Adobo Chronicles) – For many decades, Japan has topped the list of countries with the highest life expectancy among the population, with an average of 84 years. The worldwide average is 71 years (68 for males and 73 for females).  The United States’ life expectancy has been known to average at  79.

But official records at the U.S. Social Security Administration show that life expectancy among Americans has been grossly miscalculated.

A recent review found that at least 6.5 million active Social Security numbers belong to people who are at least 112 years old, according to a report by The Washington Post. Thousands of workers over the age of 100 applied for employment verification through the U.S. government in recent years, the report added.

Previously, it has been estimated that less than half a million people worldwide are centenarians, or people still living at the age of 100 and above.

Population experts surmise that the the significant rise in American life expectancy could be due to a better and  more modern health care system,  increased calorie consciousness among the population (resulting from dietary labels on food packages as required by law), and the growing popularity of Zumba dance exercise among senior citizens.

Can we propose a toast of red wine to longer life for all?