Centenarians in Cuba share longevity secrets

HAVANA – Dancing, singing, eating vegetables and positive thinking were a few of the secrets to long life revealed by a dozen Cubans who met Wednesday in a rare gathering of 100-somethings.

The men and women were invited to describe their daily diets and habits at a meeting of the 120 Year Club, a Cuban group whose members are convinced many people can live to a similar age by changing their lifestyles.

Nutritionists, psychologists and gerontologists from Cuba, Mexico, France and Spain interviewed the group.

Among the centenarians was Benito Martinez, who claims to be the oldest man on the island at 124 years, which would make him the oldest person in the world. But his claim evidently has never been authenticated. Born in Haiti, Martinez said he had lived much of his life in eastern Cuba.

At his side was 101-year-old Mercedes Matilde Nunez, who said her secret to long life was her passion for dancing and singing. She gave a brief demonstration to those present.

Agustin Gutierrez, 103, said hard work and eating vegetables had helped him.

All agreed that an optimistic outlook was key for living a long and healthy life.

“The whole world could satisfactorily live 120 years,” said Dr. Eugenio Selman, the club’s director and Fidel Castro’s personal physician.

But to do so, he said, required six things: motivation to live, appropriate diet, medical attention, intense physical activity, cultural activities and a healthy environment.

Cuba’s life expectancy is 77 years, higher than most developing nations.