A family from Sardinia is recognized as the longest-lived on the planet
818 years for nine
Niva Mirakyan, Rossiyskaya Gazeta – Federal Issue, 08/22/2012
The Melis family from the town of Perdasdefogu in the province of Ogliastra in Sardinia broke the world record for life expectancy. Nine siblings account for as many as 818 years and 205 days. Recently, the Sardinian "clan" of Melisov was officially recognized as the longest-lived in the world and entered into the Guinness Book of Records.
The search for the most "ancient" family, which lasted seven years on five continents, eventually led researchers to the Sardinian province of Ogliastra, which has long been famous for its centenarians. Surprisingly, all the members of the Melis family were born, and also spent their childhood and youth near a military training ground, where there was a real threat of uranium decay.
The oldest sister of Consolata Melis is preparing to celebrate her 105th birthday on August 22. Despite her advanced age, Consolata – a happy mother of nine children, grandmother of 24 grandchildren and great–grandmother of 25 great-grandchildren - is still socially active: she reads newspapers and is interested in politics. Her 99-year-old sister Claudine was not far behind Consolata. Then there are: 97-year-old Maria, 93-year-old Antonio, 91-year–old Concetta, 89-year-old Adolfo (who continues to work in the bar and even finds the strength to work in his vineyard), 81-year-old Vitalia and, finally, the "youngest" - 78-year-old Mafalda.
The latter in the family, for obvious reasons, is unanimously considered a "child". They do not complain about Melissa's health and treat themselves and their age with a certain amount of irony. "I'm not sick with anything, I'm just old," 99–year-old Claudine says with a smile.
Scientists have yet to unravel the "riddle of the Melis" and other long-livers of Ollastra, many of whom have also crossed the 100-year mark. Researchers from the University of Sassari believe that such a high life expectancy was influenced by 25 percent of genetics and 75 percent by natural conditions, lifestyle and dietary habits. The Melis themselves largely explain their phenomenality by the presence of a developed sense of curiosity about life.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru22.08.2012