Man, 121, tops list of oldest people in China

(Photo source: China Daily)
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BEIJING, Oct. 8 -- A list of China's 10 oldest people

was announced for the first time by the China Gerontology Association on Monday,

ahead of the Seniors Day yesterday.

The 121-year-old Sadiq Sawut from the Xinjiang Uygur

autonomous region topped the list as the oldest man, while Maihefu Zihan, from

the same region, was the oldest woman at 118.

Xinjiang has the highest proportion of centenarians

in the country, with 1,413 people aged 100 years or older, or 73 in every 1

million people.

The national average is around 23 in 1 million.

The Metropolitan Morning Post based in Urumqi,

Xinjiang reported that when Zihan heard the news, she stopped eating her

dumplings to give the thumbs up.

Her son, Maierdan, said she likes talking, even with

her 18-month-old great grand daughter.

Her favorite food includes beef, mutton, bananas and

sunflower seeds, the newspaper said.

With an average age of 117, China's 10 most venerable

citizens have lived through the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, making them the

most telling witnesses of China's changes, the organizers of the ranking said.

The age-hailing event was held in Rugao, Jiangsu

province, a well-known home of longevity with more than 6,300 90-year-olds and

251 100-year-olds.

From July, the association gathered a list of 272

seniors aged 100 or more, compiling lists of the country's 10 oldest women and

10 oldest men.

Head of the association Li Bengong said a peaceful

mind, harmonious family and good environment were key to longevity.

China now has 153 million people aged 60 or above, 11

percent of the total population.

Chinese life expectancy has increased to 72 years, up

from 35 in 1949, according to an earlier report.

Rapidly increasing numbers of aged citizens poses

great challenges to society as financial support and facilities for elderly

remain limited.

As a major strategic problem affecting economic and

social development in the country, the government seeks to reflect the

traditional values of respect and care for the elderly, Vice-Premier Hui

Liangyu, also head of the National Committee on Ageing, said earlier.

(Source: China Daily)