HCM CITY (VNS)— The Asia Book of Records has recognised 121-year-old Nguyen Thi Tru as the continent's oldest living woman, and Cao Vien, 106, and his wife Vu Thi Hai, 100, as the oldest couple.

Tru, born on May 4, 1893, had 10 children, though only three of them are alive now. She lives with her youngest son, 71, in HCM City's Binh Chanh District, and remains in good health.

Vien and Hai live in the central province of Nghe An's Dien Chau District. They have been married for 83 years and have three sons and five daughters.

All three centenarians said that an amicable nature and optimism are the key to their longevity.

Le Tran Truong An, general director of the Viet Nam Book of Records (Vietbooks), said an application is being made to get the Guinness World Records to acknowledge Tru as the world's oldest living woman. The record is now held by 116-year-old Misao Okawa of Osaka, Japan. — VNS