There are 619 people aged over 100 living on Hainan Island, China's southernmost province. Three women top the longevity list, with the eldest female being 112 years old.
According to standards set by the International Union on Natural Medicine, the population density of a global longevity village should reach seven centurions in a population of 100,000. The figure in Hainan's density is 7.4 per 100,000.
Most of these long-lived people reside in rural areas and 80 percent of them are female. The most long-lived man is 107 years old. The survey also indicated that 33.7 percent of these super seniors can do outdoor activities. 51.6 percent can move about indoors; only 9 percent of these elders are bedridden. Thirty-five people are currently married; 519 live together with their families. Twelve couples live independently, while 65 people live alone. Only 11 live in rest homes for the elderly.
These aged seniors receive 150 yuan (US$19.8) per month as a health allowance from the Hainan provincial government.
Almost every city and county in Hainan has residents over 100-years-old. Eight island areas host more than 20 centurions.
(China.org.cn by Li Shen August 17, 2007)
