The population of known minor bodies in retrograde orbits ( i > 90 \degr ) that are classified as asteroids is still growing . The aim of our study was to estimate the dynamical lifetimes of these bodies by use of the latest observational data , including astrometry and physical properties . We selected 25 asteroids with the best determined orbital elements . We studied their dynamical evolution in the past and future for \pm 100 My ( \pm 1 Gy for three particular cases ) . We first used orbit determination and cloning to produce swarms of test particles . These swarms were then input into long-term numerical integrations and orbital elements were averaged . Next , we collected the available thermal properties of our objects and used them in an enhanced dynamical model with Yarkovsky forces . We also used a gravitational model for comparison . Finally , we estimated the median lifetimes of 25 asteroids . We found three objects whose retrograde orbits were stable with a dynamical lifetime \tau \sim 10 \div 100 My . A large portion of the objects studied displayed smaller values of \tau ( \tau \sim 1 My ) . In addition , we studied the possible influence of the Yarkovsky effect on our results . We found that the Yarkovsky effect can have a significant influence on the lifetimes of asteroids in retrograde orbits . Due to the presence of this effect , it is possible that the median lifetimes of these objects are extended . Additionally , the changes in orbital elements , caused by Yarkovsky forces , appear to depend on the integration direction . To explain this more precisely , the same model based on new physical parameters , determined from future observations , will be required .