PAK: High Altitude Lifestyle Appears To Promote Longevity

PASSU, PAKISTAN - JULY 4: Mohammed Gulman, 97 years old, poses wearing a traditional woolen coat outside his home July 4, 2007 in Passu, Upper Hunza Valley, Pakistan. Mohammed was a solider in the British army and a farmer in his village. He is married with 2 wives both are living in Passu. " This age is good, before we were isolated, sometimes we were starving but now we have what we need." says Mohammed. The Hunza Valley, at around 8,500 feet, is enclosed by mountain peaks as high as 25,550 ft is located in the far northeast of Pakistan, is a lush valley of fruit trees and fertile land. Over the years, many studies have been done on the longevity of the people of Hunza, reports have stated that it is the fitness of the elderly that is so unsual. Although there are few written records of births or deaths most families know the season when they were born and the year. Many elderly say that it is the pure foods, lack of stress in their life and clean air that has allowed them to live a healthy lifestyle. (Photo by Paula Bronstein /Getty Images)