Worlds first human life respecting centenarian study in Sri Lanka

At the last World Congress of Integrated Medicines held in Colombo recently Sri Lanka was credited for having started the world's first human life respecting centenarian medical and social study in the world by Prof. Colvin Gooneratne, Professor of Physiology of the Colombo Medical Faculty in association with the Daily News medical page Health Watch.

Prof. Gooneratne who was honoured at this congress for starting this world's first medical social study of the Centenarians in Sri Lanka made the following observances:

Centenarians' Help Group Sri Lanka

(CHGSL)

* Started in April 2002

* First centenarians' help group/ society in the world

* 47 centenarians identified so far

Principal Objectives

* To celebrate respect for human life and fundamental rights of people everywhere

* To emphasise the value of good health and healthy lifestyles

* To be companions for centenarians and their carers

* Orchid Vanda 100 centenaria

* Developed and cultured at Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

* First ever flower/ plant dedicated to centenarians worldwide

* Is being propagated by Ms Thushari Weerasinghe for wider distribution

* A study was presented at Oxford University in the UK by Dr. Asitha de Silva, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

* No invasive investigations

* Simple measures - e.g. ADL, pulse, blood pressure, memory etc

Main features

* Women preponderant (37/48)

* Religious, simple, unstressful lives

* Cheerful, reasonably good memory

* ADL, reasonably satisfactory

* Well cared for by close family

Our thanks to:

* The Daily News, "HealthWatch" page, for publicity and advocacy

* Organisation of Professional Associations, and IUCM - Medicina Alternative for the honour given to Ms Engo Nona, 115-years-old, now deceased.

* State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka for logistic support