Chengmai county in South China's Hainan province, which enjoys great fame for its beautiful scenery and the longevity of its local residents, was granted a new certificate of "World Longevity Area" on Dec 21.
In November 2012, the county was awarded this title by the International Experts Committee on Population, Aging, and Longevity and the International Institute on Ageing of the United Nations, becoming the first in the country to receive this honor.
In 2019, the county's average life expectancy was 79.9 years old, and over 18,000 people are aged 80 or above, accounting for 3.3 percent of the total population, with 170 seniors aged 100 or above, according to Ji Zhaomin, Party chief of Chengmai, who addressed the audience at the certificate granting ceremony.
Marvin Formosa (L), director of the International Institute on Ageing of the United Nations, presents the certificate to Chengmai Party Chief Ji Zhaomin on Dec 21. [Photo/people.com.cn]
Ji added that the county will take the certificate as a new starting point to improve its brand as World Longevity Area, vigorously develop its health longevity industry, as well as accelerate the promotion of its tourism and healthcare industries, shouldering the responsibilities faced in the construction of Hainan Pilot Free Trade Zone (Port).
According to authorities, the certification for being a "World Longevity Area" is not permanent, as it factors in the societal and economic development of places that are certified, as well as the life expectancy and living environment of the population. Normally re-certification procedures need to occur every five to 10 years after a place receives the honor.
As of now, there are 10 places that have been certified as "World Longevity Area," including two in Hainan province: Chengmai county and the city of Wanning.
Chengmai and the International Institute on Ageing of the United Nations sign a cooperation agreement. [Photo/people.com.cn]
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