The centenarians of the Andes

the long version

The author, an anthropologist, travels to Ecuador to interview centenarians, study their environment and write about his findings. "We see that nearly all centenarians are closely involved with the land in their lives and the bulk of their food is grown in the locality." They also live at an altitude of 1700-1900 meters (about 5577-6234 feet). He suggests developing a center to enable scientists and doctors to "make a full and unbiased study, for the benefit of all mankind...Geneticists and environmentalists should work together to discover the secrets of old age--and these people of Ecuador offer us a unique opportunity. We must grasp it." --Conclusion, pages 136, 138, 141 and 142.