The Secret To Long Life? Laugh More Often, Says 111-Year-Old Turkish Woman With 120 Grandchildren

There is more to laughter than being the best medicine - it is also the secret to long life. A 111-year-old Turkish woman, who already has 120 grandchildren, shared that laughing more often every day has been one of her secrets why she is living a longer life.

The 111-Year-Old Turkish Woman Laughs And Jokes All The Time

Fayikiye Soker, a native from the town of Samandag in Hatay Province of southern Turkey, told the Mirror that aside from eating and drinking in moderation, laughing more often everyday has been her secret to a long life. The 111-year-old Turkish woman, who was born on July 1, 1904, is one of the country's oldest citizens and has been regarded as the nanny of her village.

"God granted me such a long life. I hope God gives everybody long life. I think one of the secrets is to laugh loud and often," the 111-year-old Turkish woman shared.

According to Fayikiye, living a healthy lifestyle filled with laughter has made her to hardly ever seen a doctor in her entire life. The 111-year-old Turkish woman added that she loves to laugh and joke all of the time, and has been inspiring her huge family to do same.

The 111-Year-Old Turkish Woman Has 120 Grandchildren And Countless Great-Grandchildren

Fayikiye, who lost her husband in 1984, has eight children, 120 grandchildren, countless great grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren. The 111-year-old Turkish woman is now living with one of her daughters-in law.

Hanifi Soker, Fayikiye's 42 year-old grandson, said that her grandmother is a living legend. "We are so happy that she is still with us. May God give her an even longer life," he stated.

Laughing More Often Is The Secret To Long Life, According To Science

The 111-year-old Turkish woman's secret to long life has been backed by several scientific studies. In 2011, a study by the University College, London, found that older people who live a happy life have a 35 percent lower risk of dying compared to unhappy people. In 2012, researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that most centenarians are extroverts who live a life filled with optimism and laughter.

Do you agree with the 111-year-old Turkish woman's secret to long life? Share your thoughts by leaving some comments below.