The Association Between Environmental Factors and Longevity in Hezhou, China Based on the Drinking Water Quality

Healthy aging and longevity are the ultimate goals pursued by human development, and drinking-water quality is considered as an important factor. This study aims to investigate the spatial and temporal variations in longevity in a "world longevity city" named Hezhou, a karst region in western China with a high concentration of long-lived people. The coupling relationship between longevity, and drinking-water quality was studied. Population data were obtained from the sixth and seventh national censuses of Hezhou in 2010 and 2020. Drinking water data were collected, and laboratory analyses were conducted using 137 drinking-water samples from 61 townships in Hezhou. The results show significant clustering of the centenarian in Hezhou city. The centenarian ratio was significantly and positively correlated with the longevity index and longevity level. The level of healthy longevity had good stability and continuity. The drinking water in Hezhou is high quality, neutral, and rich in trace elements and minerals, which are contributed by the karst landscape. Such as Se, Zn, Sr, H2SiO3, Fe, Mo, and Cu, which are life-essential elements, and low contents of heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, which may have a bad impact on human health. These are the important factors contributing to the longevity in Hezhou City. The abundant and high-quality drinking water in Hezhou City has contributed to the regional health and longevity, and therefore this study proposes strategies for protecting and utilizing drinking-water resources according to local conditions.