Some time ago, Ri Hak Nyo, a woman in township of Mundok County, South Phyongan Province, received a spread sent by General Secretary Kim Jong Il on her 100th birthday.

Those greeting their 100th birthdays receive spreads from the leader. From the beginning of the year eleven people have enjoyed such luck in the country.

According to information available in a relevant organ, the number of centenarians has been on the steady increase in the country over the last decade.

Among them is Jo In Gak, a 100-year-old man in Oknyu-dong No. 2. Taedonggang District, Pyongyang, who had continued farm work until two years ago even after he retired on a pension.

It draws experts' attention that towns, including Pyongyang, also boast of an increasing number of macrobians.

The fact goes to prove that towns are no less clear than rural areas in ecological environment, giving no adverse effect to the health of long-livers.

Most of them favor bean, vegetable and potato dishes as well as boiled rice admixed with four other staple cereals, and live a diligent and optimistic life.