IT used to be a major milestone that only a few achieved.

But latest research reveals that one in three children born in the UK this year will live to be 100.

The secrets to living not only a long but a happy life are now set to be revealed after scientists in Southampton launched a study into the ever increasing longevity of the population.

Putting the needs of others ahead of your own, drinking less alcohol, exercising more and eating a balanced diet are all factors that might help a person live for more than 100 year.

These and others will be at the heart of a major a new exhibition designed by the University of Southampton-based ESRC Centre for Population Change (CPC) designed to tackle the issue.

Professor Jane Falkingham, director of the CPC, said that the ‘How to get to 100 and enjoy it’ exhibition challenges the way we think about life.

She said: “We are seeing quite significant advances in life expectancy and I think it has to be a good thing that we are pushing back the period of time that we are living for. It has its challenges but the fact that we are living for longer means people can contribute more to society.”

The exhibition will first be shown at WestQuay before heading to London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cardiff and was led by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Germany.

It is divided into 10 areas allowing visitors to explore demographic issues through interactive activities, games and information displays.

Startling facts will be highlighted, including the fact that by 2050 the number of centenarians will increase from 320,000 to 3.2m.

Yvette Christian, deputy director at Age Concern Hampshire, said a variety of factors can contribute to people living to 100, including having the right care, support, “an appropriate amount of money to live off”, and the ability to stay in your own home.

Lilian Collins celebrated her 100th birthday at Abbey Retirement Home in Shirley earlier this year.

Her daughter Marie Goodwin, 64, told the Echo her mum put a long and happy life down to keeping active and keeping up work and interests.

She said: “Hard work has been a contributing factor – she always worked hard and was still working ironing for a lady well into her 80s.”

The exhibition will be on show at WestQuay shopping centre from Monday to Sunday, October 26.

It will be launched on Monday with a free event in the lower shopping level from 6pm-8pm.

For more information visit www.liveto100.cpc.ac.uk.