THERE are many long-lived people in the world, but it is thought that many more could continue living beyond 100 and up to 120, affirms Professor Eugenio Selman, thus rejecting the theory that there are very few men and women in their hundreds, while announcing that some scientists believe that people could reach 120 or even 140, and others’ estimates extend to 300 years.

He quotes a recent meeting in the United States where experts from that country affirm that with the advances registered in genetics and the knowledge of mother cells etc, one could imagine an indefinite prolongation of human life.

If that is the case, why don’t many people reach that age?

The professor refers to genetic, environmental factors that cause rapid deterioration in persons’ health. And, as there are exceptions to every rule; there are people who reach a highly advanced age without following the lifestyle recommended for extending their existence to 120.

The longest-lived person in the world was Frenchwoman Jeanne Calma, who died aged 120. The oldest person is now Mitoyo Kawate, aged 114. A few days ago Elena Slough, the oldest woman in the United States, died having reached the same age. Likewise Kamato Hongo, a Japanese woman, and Dominican female Elizabeth Israel died recently at 116 and 118 years of age respectively.

Our interviewee adds that the only action taken to address longevity in the world to date occurs when an individual reaches a certain age (50-60 years). He notes that such measures are rarely preventative, but aimed at solving problems presented at a specific age.

He reiterated the criterion of taking action right from the beginning. That includes couples of an age to conceive and those who have done so, by determining the conditions presented in order to give attention before fertilization takes place.

Once an egg is fertilized, relevant measures should be continued to guarantee the normal development of the fetus, taking care throughout pregnancy, avoiding distress at birth, and care of the infant in early childhood, adolescence, and as a young or older adult.

In the conversation with the professor reference is made to Compay Segundo, the famous musician, a Bohemian and confirmed cigar smoker who retained his mental faculties and good physical condition practically up until the final days of his life (he died aged 96).

“This great artist was an exception to the rule,” he comments, “but as has happened in other cases, if he hadn’t smoked or consumed alcoholic drinks, he could have lived many years more.”

And in the cases of people who have never drunk or smoked and die at 50, for example?

“It could be the result of a genetic problem that prevented them from living longer, or eating food that damaged their health or that they suffered from a vitamin deficiency. There is always a scientific reason that would explain it in one way or another.”

The theme of the real possibility of living 120 years has given rise to some questions that we put to Professor Selman.

As people’s lives are extended, can their sexual lives be extended?

Of course, affirms the professor, while warning that any excess is prejudicial. The same factor occurs when there is no sexual activity, which sets mechanisms in motion that affect health. In the case of excessive sexual activity stress can manifest itself or the individual is exhausted in such a way that there is no recovery time, especially after orgasm.

On the other hand, the human organism is such a perfect machine that at specific moments it is capable of overcoming aggression due to excess or deficit. That happens when the aggression occurs from time to time, but if it is a regular event, it always has repercussions on the organism.

Is it possible for a person aged 100 or more to remain sexually active?

He replies by quoting one of his first cases when he was a surgeon at the peak of his profession. This was an elderly man of 91, weighing around 80 pounds, who was close to death, and underwent a prostrate operation. The tumor affecting him was extracted, he made a good recovery and was subsequently allowed to leave hospital. And he went off very happily. “Two months later he had a check up and I greeted him feeling very content, as I’d saved his life. And he said to me: ‘Doctor you’ve really screwed me up.’ “But how can you tell me that when I saved your life?’ ‘That’s true but since you operated on me I ejaculate inside myself.’”

The doctor explained that when he carried out the operation he assumed that this elderly man of 91 weighing 80 pounds would not be having sexual relations and so he eliminated the tubes from his testicles to the urethra, and so, when he had sexual relations there was no way out for his semen.

And so he wasn’t surprised to learn that Charlie Chaplin was a father at 80 years of age, as was the case with other long-lived persons he treated throughout his career.

Going more deeply into the subject, Professor Selman explained that when people reach 60 or so, some of them begin to feel depressed and their families and friends think that they should curtail their activities, an attitude that leads to the individual’s deterioration rather than conservation.

And in the case of homosexuals, what could be the repercussions of an extended life on their relations as a couple?

Everything depends on the concept one has of what one is doing. As we know, there are different kinds of homosexuals, a negligible number for genetic reasons, which means that the rest are homosexual as a result of other factors.

In that context he believes that when a person feels at ease with his or her homosexuality, there is no problem with an extension of sexual activity. If their lives are highly unstable, that’s a different matter. Everything corresponds to mental attitude.

So, in order to reach 120 years of age a rigorously healthy life with a healthy mentality has to be guaranteed?

The professor notes that nothing which leads to extreme sacrifice is good. He thinks that by doing little things and avoiding what is prejudicial, we can reach what we desire.

He warns of poisonous situations introduced by so-called civilization that gradually lead to a deterioration of people’s physical, psychological and social health.

Finally he affirms that there are optimum conditions in Cuba for people prolonging their lives and even living up to 120 years. There is motivation; public health is attaining a high level even acknowledged by the enemies of the revolutionary process, and adequate nutrition. There are limitations but people do eat as they should and exercise is well promoted.

On this aspect he emphasizes exercise in simple operations such as climbing stairs and walking.

Another advantage is the enjoyment of culture, which eliminates stress and fortifies the spirit, and a constant preoccupation for providing an adequate environment. He doesn’t overlook the importance of a healthy mind combined with spirituality, as Dr. Selman believes in the soul, which, he affirms, is the brain that controls everything, including the deepest sentiments.

And how is it reflected in our hearts when we are in love?

The professor perceives that very simply: “You fall in love. You have an emotion and the brain’s complex system intervenes, while the chemical neuron transmitters go into action. This wasn’t known before, but now it is known that facing the object of one’s love the heart accelerates and we feel almost as if we cannot stop it. You have to see it how it is, a highly personal sentiment, but one that can be explained.

“We know that the brain controls everything in both men and women, but if we want to live to 120 years in a satisfactory way that depends on us doing things without great sacrifice, normally and consciously,” is Professor Eugenio Selman’s final comment.