Dien Ngoc commune in Nghe An province is very poor, but it is famous for its residents’ longevity –up to 1500 people over 80 years old.

Dien Ngoc Elderly Association Chair Vu Sy An and Mrs. Thai Thi Bich, 107, the oldest person in Dien Ngoc commune.

“My hometown is poor but there are many long-lived people. My commune has nearly 1500 elderly people, including 350 of over 80, 135 of over 85 years old,” said the Dien Ngoc Elderly Association Chair Vu Sy An.

Dien Ngoc’s area is less than one square kilometer, but its population is over 20,000. Most are fishermen.

“The oldest person in my commune is Mrs. Thai Thi Bich. She is 107 years old. In Mrs. Bich’s family, there are 17 others of over 70,” Sy An calculated.

In the neighbouring commune of Dien Nguyen, there are nearly 1000 people of over 60 years old, 160 over 80, nearly 40 over 90 and two who have lived through three centuries, reported the commune’s chair, Ngo Sy Hanh.

Dam Van Huong, Dien Nguyen Elderly Association Chair, reported that every five years, the commune holds a great banquet for the elderly and their descendants gather to wish their elders continued longevity.

“The 2005 banquet had 9 people of over 90 years old and this year the number is 40,” Huong revealed.

Sy An said that commune residents live longer because they eat mostly fish. The elderly credit their longevity to the challenges of difficult weather and other obstacles when they were young.

PV