Why do they live so long? Soil gets credit

Yufan is a "longevity village" with 46 people over 80 years old in Xiantao, Hubei province. The oldest have lived more than 100 years.

Outsiders have long marveled at the numbers, but until 2013 no one knew the reason. That year, the Hubei Geological Survey found that the soil in Xiantao is naturally enriched with selenium, or Se, one of the 14 essential trace elements that are good for human health.

To better use the natural resources and tap the business opportunities brought by the soil, the Xiantao Se-enriched Industry Development Office was established last year.