PAK: High Altitude Lifestyle Appears To Promote Longevity

GULMIT, PAKISTAN - JULY 3: Bibi Aleha Bagum, 98,(L) talks with her daughter in-law Bibi Jalal,65, July 3, 2007 in Gulmit, Hunza Valley, Pakistan. She has lived in Gulmit all her life. Like all elderly in Hunza, she lives with family members who care for her. 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)