X-Message-Number: 24522
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2004 18:06:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Doug Skrecky <>
Subject: life extension gains a dubious ally

Cubans seek to own longevity record

Havana, Cuba, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Fidel Castro's personal physician is
predicting Cuba will soon supplant Japan as the nation with the
world's oldest population.

Eugenio Selman Housein, the doctor closest to Castro, also said there
is a good chance Castro, who marked his 78th birthday Friday, could
live for another 40 years.

Housein is the founder of the "120-Year Club," dedicated to boosting
Cuba's longevity. While the Japanese have a national average lifespan
of 81.4, Housein says the Communist nation will soon exceed that.

Housein's confidence rest on six factors: proper nutrition, exercise,
culture, a clean environment, preventive health care and willpower.

These are pushed through educational seminars and the government
media. Already, more than 2,000 have applied to join the club, Housein
says, and at least 800 have been accepted.

"When you apply for a membership, it's not immediate," Housein says.
"We have to avoid contamination with people who are immoral."

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