21.03.2026 12:10
Şemsi Kılıç, who is 110 years old and lives in Kayseri, and Dudu Candan, who is 106 years old and lives in Kütahya, attribute the secret to their long and healthy lives to yogurt consumption and natural nutrition.
110-year-old Şemsi Kılıç living in Kayseri and 106-year-old Dudu Candan residing in Kütahya drew attention with their long and healthy lives; the two century-old trees stated that they found the secret of long life in yogurt and natural nutrition.
106-YEAR-OLD DUDU CANDAN, A LIVING HISTORY
Dudu Candan, who lives in Efir village of Simav district in Kütahya, witnessed the transition from the late Ottoman period to the Republic. Born in 1920, Candan has seen all the presidents of the Republic of Turkey throughout her life.
"I CONSUME YOGURT AND GREENS ABUNDANTLY"
Candan, who leads a simple life, attributed the secret of long life to her eating habits. She explained her lifestyle by saying, "I get up from the table before I am full. I consume yogurt and greens abundantly. I eat naturally."
Candan, who lost her husband 51 years ago, continues her life with her child. While social assistance teams provide regular support, the village headman Salim Koç visits her every month to check on her needs. Candan, who has three children and 11 grandchildren, has witnessed four generations by seeing her great-grandchild.
110-YEAR-OLD ŞEMSİ KILIÇ: MY LIFE WAS SPENT WORKING
110-year-old Şemsi Kılıç, born in Sarız district of Kayseri, never stopped working throughout his life. Losing his father at a young age, Kılıç sustained his life by working in village jobs since childhood.
"I ALWAYS ATE A LOT OF YOGURT, WE MADE IT OURSELVES"
Growing up in a natural environment, Kılıç placed yogurt at the center of his life. He shared his past eating habits by saying, "I used to eat a lot of yogurt, I always kept it by my side. We would cook the milk and make yogurt ourselves."
Kılıç clearly expressed the secret of healthy living, advising the youth, "You will eat a lot of yogurt, you will eat butter, and you will work." He stated that he fasted until the age of 109, expressing his desire to work with the words, "If my hand could hold, I would work again."
Şemsi Kılıç, who has seven children and 30 grandchildren, has reached a large family by also seeing three of his great-grandchildren.
A COMMON MESSAGE FROM TWO CENTURY-OLD TREES
Living in different cities, Şemsi Kılıç and Dudu Candan emphasized that the same habits lie at the foundation of their long lives. Both stated that natural nutrition, especially yogurt consumption, and an active lifestyle are decisive in healthy aging.
Source: AA, İHA