The residents of Truc Lam Village, in Hue City's Huong Long Ward, have been known for their high life expectancy, with many living well into their eighties with good health and sound mind.

Exercise and happiness 'secrets' of a long life (photo:ihue.org)

Vo Van Nghe, Chairman of the Association for the Elderly in Huong Long Ward, said his ward has about 200 people between the ages of 80 and 100, and four who are older than 100.

Most of the elderly in Huong Long Ward remain relatively healthy and participate in social activities.

It is well known that fresh air and healthy meals are important factors affecting a person's health, but villagers here attribute their long and healthy lives to regular work and exercise. They also say that their good network of neighbors and happy families are the other keys to longevity.

Nguyen Thi Chut, 107, is one of the oldest people in the village, and continues to have a sharp mind. She prefers to live alone, as do many other elderly in the village, and regularly walks for several kilometres every day.

Many people who are older than 80 continue get up early and work in the rice fields.  One of these is Phan Quyen, 93. He often wakes up at 4 am to work on his farm. His eyesight is still good enough to read books without the help of glasses.

"I like to work even though my children sometimes don't approve. But work keeps me happy and healthy," he said.

Tran Cuoc, 92, was forest worker for 40 years, and still chops and carves wood for his neighbours.

"Health is the most important thing to old people, and to be healthy one must have a healthy and regular daily routine. Providing services to the community keeps you useful and is a way to preserve the health of your mind," Nguyen Kinh Kha, an elder in the village said.