Alimihan Seyiti (L) talks with her grandson at her 134th birthday party in Shule County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on June 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Gao Han)
URUMQI, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Alimihan Seyiti, the oldest person in China, passed away on Thursday at the age of 135 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local authorities said Saturday.
Hailing from Komuxerik Township of Shule County in Kashgar Prefecture, Alimihan Seyiti was born on June 25, 1886, according to the county's publicity department.
In 2013, the Uygur woman topped the list of China's oldest living persons issued by the China Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, formerly known as the Gerontological Society of China.
"She died peacefully at my home," said Qurban Nur, Alimihan Seyiti's grandson who tended the lady when she was alive.
Alimihan Seyiti had a very simple and regular daily life until her death. She always ate on time and enjoyed basking in the sun in her yard and chatting with her neighbors. Sometimes, she helped look after her great-grandchildren.
Komuxerik is known as a "longevity town," with over 40 elderly people aged over 90, according to last year's data.
The improvement of health services has partly contributed to their longevity. The local government has provided a contracted doctor service, free annual physical checks, and monthly advanced-age subsidies for the elderly aged over 60.
The average life expectancy of residents in Xinjiang grew from 30 years in 1949 to 74.7 years in 2019, according to official statistics. ■
