If there’s one topic that gets the blood stirring of the today’s young folk, it’s old age! Or… not. Actually, the fact that’s funny tells us in the West a whole lot about our own cultural views on this very important topic. And would you believe there are places in the world where this topic actually DOES garner interest and esteem from all ages? That’s right: the North Caucasus. Springboarding off of our recent episode on retirement in the North Caucasus (Ep. 105 – http://caucastalk.com/epsiode105), we explore the wider issue of aging. Not only are the Caucasus globally renowned for their high density of centenarians (people over 100), but the reasons for a preponderance of old age are fascinating, if not ultimately speculative. One thing is sure: North Caucasus cultures love their old folks. We hope at the end of today’s episode you will, too!

Links for Episode 110

Dannon 1977 Yogurt Commercial in Georgia

Cultures of the Word: Dagestan, at the Indiana Public Library!

Abkhazia: Ancients of the Caucasus (Healthy at 100), by John Robbins

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