Secret of Longevity
In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, too, there is a painting "Longevity" representing the ancient people's desire to live a long life without getting old through natural phenomena.
The Korean people realize their dream of longevity in sound health under the socialist system.
Thanks to the popular policies of the Workers' Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, the number of centenarians is on the increase in our country.
People receive a spread from the leader of the country on their centenary birthdays.
In July, Voice of Korea reported the news that the respected Comrade
Kim Sun Nyo living in Ryugyong-dong No. 2, Pothonggang District of Pyongyang said in excitement that she was blessed with 100-year-long life, and moreover, she received a birthday spread from
She was born in 1924 when Korea was a colony of the Japanese imperialists.
She was subjected to contempt and maltreatment as a servant of a landlord before finding her life worth living after the great leader
While working at a foodstuff factory in the city of Wonsan of Kangwon Province, her native place, she distinguished herself as a labour innovator and brought up her four children.
After she retired on a pension, she lived in Pyongyang with her youngest son who was working as a press photographer.
She enjoyed her remaining years with more than 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A few years ago, she felt that her eyesight failed due to the aftereffect of the bruise she got during the Fatherland Liberation War in the 1950s.
She received intensive treatment in a hospital under the benefits of the socialist health system, and had her eyesight restored at the age of 98.
On her centenary birthday, she said:
"I've lived for a hundred years because our social system and policies are good."
Article 23 of Chapter 3 of the Law of the DPRK on the Care of the Aged says:
"The central organ for the care of the aged, the press institutions and the local government bodies must register the macrobians over 100 and widely introduce their experiences in longevity.
The aged over 90 shall receive social benefits provided separately."
In the DPRK, household doctors pay special attention to the health of the macrobians, giving them medical examinations on a regular basis and providing them with tonics. And the officials of the Party and government organs of the regions concerned frequently acquaint themselves with the living of the macrobians and take necessary measures.
It was said from olden times that many macrobians are produced in the places with good land, air and water. Of course they have a great influence on the life span of man.
But the secret of longevity cannot be explained only with natural elements.
It is proved by the story of Kim Sun Nyo who has lived under two social systems for a century.
"I've lived for a hundred years because our social system and policies are good."