With life expectancy in Switzerland continuing to improve, many elderly people across the alpine nation are reaching the big 100. Now, new data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has revealed which Swiss canton is home to the most centenarians.

Oldest person in Switzerland today is 111 years old!

One thing is for sure: Switzerland is getting older. According to the FSO, since 1950 the number of people aged 100 years or older has doubled every decade. This phenomenon has accelerated in recent years, with 100 people reaching 100 years old every year since 2018. 

The oldest person alive in Switzerland today is 111-year-old Anna Furrer from Canton Obwalden, who was born in June 1913. The oldest person ever to live in Switzerland was Polish-Swiss Rosa Rein, who lived 112 years and 327 days before passing away in Canton Ticino in 2010.

Basel and Ticino home to the most centenarians

According to the government, the most centenarians in Switzerland can be found in the very north and south of the country, namely Basel and Ticino. As of the end of 2023, there were 43,5 people over 100 years old resident in Basel-Stadt for every 100.000 residents, nearly double the Swiss average (23,3). 

Ticino followed close behind (43,1 per 100.000), with Geneva rounding out the podium (39,9). By contrast, Appenzell Innerrhoden (12,1 per 100.000), Zug (12,8), Schwyz (13,1) and Fribourg (14,4) were home to the fewest centenarians.

Speaking to SRF, cantonal doctor Simon Fuchs admitted that “we don't know the exact reasons” why Basel is home to so many 100-year-olds. However, he estimated that good healthcare and infrastructure designed around the elderly - such as public transport and social services - all have their part to play.

Because of its strong connections to Italy, the longevity of Ticino’s residents has been attributed in part to the Mediterranean diet. The cuisine is considered healthier than food in northern Europe because of its use of olive oil instead of animal fat, and the greater accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables.

Old age is a "great gift", says 101-year-old Baseler

"I never thought I would live so long. But now the time has come and it is a great gift," noted 101-year-old Baseler Edith Hug. Speaking to the national broadcaster, she said that while she didn’t know exactly how she was able to live until 100, the retired hairdresser suspected that good food and lots of sleep were key. 

When asked how many more birthdays she will celebrate, Hug said, “as far as I'm concerned, it can continue like this for a long time.”