Catalonia centenarians have reached a historic milestone, surpassing 3,000 individuals for the first time according to new demographic data.
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The region now counts 3,051 residents aged 100 or older, marking a significant demographic shift in one of Spain’s most populous autonomous communities.
Catalonia Centenarians: A Growing Demographic Trend
The latest figures from Idescat reveal a remarkable growth pattern in Catalonia’s oldest residents. Currently, 2,549 women and 502 men have celebrated their 100th birthday or beyond. This represents a dramatic increase from just 185 centenarians recorded four decades ago, highlighting the region’s evolving age structure.
Barcelona hosts Spain’s oldest citizen, Angelina Torres Vallbona, who celebrated her 112th birthday on March 18th. Furthermore, the region previously claimed Maria Branyas, who lived to 117 years in Olot before passing away in August 2024. These exceptional cases underscore the longevity trends emerging across Catalonia.
The Generalitat honoured this demographic achievement by hosting twelve centenarians at the Palau de la Generalitat. President Salvador Illa emphasised that “having an aged population is a richness, it’s positive if we know how to enjoy the treasure of having a grandfather or grandmother who can explain their experiences to us.”
Regional Distribution and Population Shifts
The provincial breakdown shows Barcelona leading with 2,278 centenarians, followed by Tarragona (284), Girona (275), and Lleida (214). Meanwhile, Catalonia’s overall population has grown to 8,154,627 inhabitants, representing a 1.1% annual increase.
According to recent demographic analysis, these aging patterns reflect broader social and healthcare improvements. The 65+ age group represents the fastest-growing demographic in Catalonia, increasing by 2.3% compared to the previous semester.
Conversely, the 0-15 age group has declined by nearly 2%, continuing a pattern established since 2018. This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities for regional planning and social services.
The celebration at the Generalitat also featured nonagenarian Àngela Coromina, known online as ‘iaia Angeleta’, who boasts 157,000 Instagram followers. Her presence highlighted how Catalonia’s oldest residents remain active participants in modern society.
President Illa noted that the growing centenarian population “evidences the better quality of life” in the region. This demographic milestone reflects improvements in healthcare, nutrition, and social support systems that enable longer, healthier lives.
As La Vanguardia reported, this demographic transformation continues to reshape Catalonia’s social landscape, requiring adapted policies to support both the youngest and oldest residents.
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