Seniors Share Secrets of Longevity
Cuba has the right conditions to enable senior citizens to lead a satisfactory life and raise the current 78.8 year life expectancy to 120, said Professor Eugenio Selman-Housein Abdo, chairman of the 3rd International Congress of Satisfactory Longevity.

160 people from Argentina, Aruba, Mexico, Spain, Peru, Russia, Chile France, Brazil, the US and Cuba, have been discussing from May 17 the humanist character of listening and learning from the elderly.

The gathering identified the existence of a wide range of options in the 21st century to extend life, thanks to the development of science, medicine, culture and productive capacity, and Cuba has merged science with social needs.

The six fundamental aspects required to attain 100 years were identified as motivation, health, physical activity, cultural integration, environment and nutrition. The later attracted broad coverage, said Dr. Selman who advised a moderate diets for elders, low in fats, and alcohol and smoke free.

Cuba's current population of centenarians numbers 3,331, and 882 live in the capital. A study conducted by the Centro de Investigaciones de la Tercera Edad (CITED) said they are communicative, controlled, optimistic and happy.

The Congress, sponsored by the Caribbean Medical Association (AMECA) and Cuba"s 120 Years Club, has already announced the 4th edition for May 16-20, 2006 at the National Hotel.