Azernews.Az

By Laman Ismayilova

Something appears to be keeping people in some parts of the world alive longer.

It could be the clean water, clean air, healthy food or probably genetics.

Some scientists have identified unique genetic signatures strongly associated with a long and healthy life. This discovery can help to find out how certain genes may protect us from common age-related diseases like cancer, dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Others believe that special diet, exercises play an important role in determining how long you'll live.

The number of Azerbaijani citizens who reached 100 years of age has been made public.

Ulduz Hashimova, head of the Physiology Institute at the National Academy of Science of Azerbaijan told Trend that by official statistics, Azerbaijan accounts for 838 people older than 100.

The high index of longevity was recorded in Lankaran region.

She said traditionally the area of Talish mountains in the southeast shows the highest indicator of longevity.

Azerbaijan's oldest citizen is a 104 years old resident of Lankaran region, Vesme Abbasova.

"She is considered to be in the age of 106 years upon the passport. However, in accordance to adjusted data, Vasma Abbasova is 104 years old," said Hashimova.

A long-living woman has 7 kids, 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren.

The family consists of 65 members. Her health condition is good. She even undertakes many of the household tasks. It seems that good health in this family is inherited.

Vasma Abbasova`s mother and sister also lived more that 90 years.

The 104-years-old Lankaran citizen says that she has never have a serious disease. Moreover, old woman doesn't take medicines. She only visits doctor twice a year.

Azerbaijan can be proud with its centenarians. About 42 percent of all inhabitants of the planet, who have reached 100 years or more live in the Caucasus region, according to studies.

Those who have lived to blow out 100 candles are frequently found in Azerbaijan, mostly in Lankaran, Masalli, Zagatala, Gusar, Gazakh, Tovuz, Ismayilli, Jalilabad, Shamakhi, Lachin, Kalbajar, and Aghdam regions.

One of Azerbaijan's centenarians was Shirali Muslimov, shepherd, who lived 169 years, establishing an unprecedented record in the history of longevity. Muslimov's soviet passport stated that he was born on March 26, 1805.

A unique museum, located in one of the most picturesque corners of country-Lerik region, is dedicated to the way of life of the region’s phenomenal people. Currently, the museum has 1,200 exhibits of up to 150 long-livers.

Here you can also find information about Majid Aghayev who lived 136 years, the 128-year-old Abdul Huseinov, Molla Hasrat Melikov who lived 125 years and the 120-year-old Nani Ahmadova.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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