Elderly Persons in Kosovo Aged 100 Years and Above 18/12/2007

Institucionet e Përkohshme Vetëqeverisëse / Privremena Institucija Samouprave / Provisional Institutions of Self Government Qeveria e Kosovës / Vlada Kosova / Government of Kosovo Ministria e Shërbimeve Publike / Ministarstvo javnih službi / Ministry of Public Services

ELDERLY PERSONS IN KOSOVO AGED 100 YEARS AND ABOVE

October 1 International Day of Older Persons

Publisher: Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) Publishing date: December 2007 ©: Statistical Office of Kosovo Reproduction is authorized when source is indicated only. Printed by: K.G.T, Pristina, Kosovo

More information is available on the internet: www.ks-gov.net/esk

F o r e w o r d

We acknowledge and appreciate the entire SOK staff in Pristina and cooperators in the regional offices of Kosovo, for their contribution in this survey.

Special acknowledgment goes for the relatives-members of the family supporting and helping this survey by providing necessary information’s for their elderly family members.

Also special acknowledgment goes for the people that informed the SOK on their elderly relatives and other elder persons in their neighborhood through e-mail or telephone.

Special contribution was also paid by the Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) by being media sponsor of this project/initiative by supporting population awareness through the TV commercial transmitted for 30 days.

This media awareness has positively impacted in the interest of the population inside Kosovo and abroad.

Special contribution was also paid by:

Mr. Zymer Maxharri, Deputy/Chief of Execution, SOK

Mr. Kadri Sojeva, Director of the Department of Population Statistics

Mr. Rrahman Tara, Chief of Cartography, SOK

Other cooperators:

Mr. Idriz Shala Ms. Sanije Uka Ms. Ajshe Avdiu Ms. Shukran Muharremi

Design by Mr. Ahmet Cakolli

Media sponsor, RTK

December, 2007 Chief of Execution, SOK Mr. Avni Kastrati

Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

2 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

C o n t e n t

Page

Introduction...... 5 Kosovo’s statistical system...... 6 The goal of the survey...... 7 Methodology...... 8 The time and duration of the accomplishment of the survey...... 9 Some data on the life expectancy in the world level ...... 9 The most elderly persons in the world...... 11 Elderly persons in Kosovo 100+ years of age...... 12 Some characteristics of elderly persons 100+ years of age...... 12 in Kosovo...... 12 Territorial scope of elderly persons by municipality ...... 13 Participation of the elderly persons by permanent residency...... 14 Participation of elderly persons in 100 thousand inhabitants ...... 15 Elderly persons by residency and the municipality at birth ...... 17 List of most elderly persons in Kosovo...... 18 Elderly persons by year of birth...... 19 Elderly persons by sea-altitude of the place of living ...... 20 Elderly persons in Kosovo by gender...... 20 Elderly persons and their successors...... 21 Elderly persons by occupation ...... 21 Elderly persons and tobacco smoking...... 22 Elderly persons and food consumption ...... 22 Elderly persons and the use of fat...... 22 Elderly persons and the consumption of alcohol...... 23 Elderly persons and their health condition ...... 23

3 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

4 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Introduction

”Elderly persons in Kosovo 100+ years of age” is the first survey of this kind in Kosovo.

This survey represents some characteristics of this category of people as is the life expectancy, the way of living, feeding, demographic, health and social data, territorial scope as well as other characteristics.

At the same time, this survey indicates the life expectancy by considering conditions and circumstances that elderly people of Kosovo lived and are living nowadays.

In the lack of information about persons in this age in Kosovo from previous years, we were not able to make comparisons from the view of years – flow and results. But the survey used some world data on life expectancy in order to make some comparisons with this part of population in Kosovo.

The data on the survey were released by the family members of the elderly persons. Elderly persons were asked of their valid ID or any other ID document as a proof, they were registered in the list; the ID document or any other ID document was photocopied or photographed.

Data were collected by using questionnaire form by direct interview with the elderly persons and their family members.

Processing and analyzing of the data was conducted based on the administrative data, field work, the evidence and the statements (given by elderly persons themselves and/or relatives) provided by the SOK teams in the field.

The implementation of this project faced some difficulties and also required some additional work in order to accomplish this initiative; working groups were established in order to identify persons, and collect, process and analyze the data.

Project was developed in a voluntarily bases by the SOK staff without any financial support, stimulation resources, without sufficient and necessary logistic support to develop the activities of the survey and overtime work had to be applied – including weekends - in order to finalize the survey.

Despite these difficulties, the project ended successfully.

Due to the lack of the advanced statistical system, and despite the engagement of the SOK staff and population awareness, there is a chance that it might be that some elder persons (100+ years of age) are not included in this survey therefore we apologize and ask for understanding and, at the same time, we appeal the public to inform us for such a persons in order to have a better statistical data for this population.

5 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Kosovo’s statistical system

Statistical systems (statistical institutes), almost in all countries of the world, are constructed in a higher scale of the source of information (from population censuses, different registry books, from administrative or survey data) regarding the social-economic, demographic, educational, health, agriculture and other data.

A pure authentic information system facilitates undertaking of the appropriate measures and establishes different social-economic policies in local and national level. Practically, it can be easily said that the developed countries do not draw or even undertake any development plan in the local level without any statistical data on that phenomenon while plans in the national level are not undertaken without detailed statistical data.

The engagement of the staff and budgets is needed in order to develop such a system and to establish a sustainable statistical data base on development policies for social progress. The 21 century, by many researchers and scholars, is called the century of information.

With its accurate, fast and easily approached information’s, the statistics have its important place and role in the state therefore some states turned their statistical institutes into the government bodies - ministry.

Kosovo still lacks such a statistical data base that would help the Kosovo’s government itself, other governmental bodies, NGOs, scientists, researchers, international organizations, individuals, etc, in order to establish social-economic policies.

Investments by the side of the Kosovo society towards establishing a statistical system is not sufficient yet. In this respect, Kosovo is still behind many countries in the region. Therefore, while these countries invest from 1 - 3 or even more Euros, in these last two years, Kosovo has invested only 0.24 Euros for head of inhabitant.

By the European status, one (1) statistician is foreseen in 4.000 up to 6.000 inhabitants but in Kosovo this average is one (1) statistician in 18,650 inhabitants. This, by itself, means that Kosovo’s statistical system has not had sufficient attention yet.

In constructing the statistical system and in conducting surveys, Kosovo still is in disadvantage when you compare it with the regional countries (if you compare statistical surveys) and this due to the lacks in administration sources used by the SOK.

Another fact or un-fortune is that the SOK faces also the lack of the interest by the Kosovo society on statistical data but at the same time, there is an orientation to be served with other information sources that, in many cases, use SOK data.

Statistical Office of Kosovo (SOK) collects, processes, analyses and publishes statistical data on different fields, as, economic, population, social, agricultural, education, health, etc.

The SOK is striving for a sustainable statistical system despite the difficulties faced so far.

Despite the lack of budget and staff, with its actual capacities, the SOK has achieved to increase the quality of the data including the number of the surveys in a considerable measure.

Thus, during this year, the SOK has organized three (3) new statistical surveys that were not on its annual plan. All these surveys had their cost of implementation. It has been evaluated that in order to conduct a new statistical survey (dependable from the volume of the survey), there are at least 30-50 thousand Euros needed.

6 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

One of the new surveys during this year is also “Elderly persons in Kosovo 100+ years of age” which is the first survey of this kind to be conducted in Kosovo. This kind of survey is foreseen to be conducted every 5 years.

The goal of the survey

The SOK has taken the initiative to conduct such a survey by having in mind the preliminary information’s for the elderly persons in Kosovo 100+ years of age as well as the interest of the Kosovo society for this part of population.

The goal of the survey is to raise the public awareness on life expectancy in Kosovo in nowadays conditions and circumstances, the impact of natural conditions, inheritress as well as social environment.

Tabular part of this survey will facilitate and make able to different researchers to recognize the elderly persons in Kosovo, the way they live and the life expectancy reached by this group of population.

Also, the survey has a purpose to raise institutional and government awareness on the way this category of population lives in order to take measures and create better living conditions for them.

Also, other developed societies conducts such a surveys in order to have data for elderly persons 100+ years of age from the life expectancy view, as well as to conduct research and analysis from the social and health view.

Some states (organizations and governments) during the year, organize special meetings with elderly persons 100+ years of age since they are treated as a “social-health treasury”; they have their special media attention, receive special gifts, financial support, and other additional benefits.

Therefore, we hope that our country as well will have a better approach and create better living conditions for them.

We also propose that the Kosovo social institutions should organize an annual meeting with all the elderly persons 100+ years of age and support them in some aspects since they are persons under custody of their relatives.

According to the field data received by the SOK field groups, better part of the elderly persons 100+ years of age are under custody of the family members with good living conditions while the other remaining part does not have so good living conditions, therefore, these persons need support from the society.

7 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Methodology

Several discussions were held on the way of implementation of this project by the SOK; the working methodology was approved and drafted; necessary tools, operational plan, in order to accomplish this survey by establishing field-working groups and selecting most experienced persons in conducting statistical surveys have been established.

The SOK drafted statistical individual Questionnaire for elderly persons with the total of 15 questions by drafting brief Guidance to complete the questionnaire and the registration criteria for this population in the territory of Kosovo without gender, ethnicity, and color or religion distinction.

Some preliminary data were collected form the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (MLSW), from the registration offices (working under municipal administration) as well as information’s from Kosovo regional statistical offices, including other interested groups and individuals.

The rise of the public awareness was achieved through TV commercial in RTK and the SOK website. This awareness has positively impacted in finding the families with elderly persons of 100+ years of age.

In the other hand, there were some families that declared that they have an elder person 100+ years of age but after the interview and the verification of the ID documents, it was certified that these persons do not fulfill criteria for the survey.

Also, many persons that were signed as live persons (according to the SOK sources) were late since years ago.

Another additional problem faced was the identification of the elderly persons in the field since the population in certain zones during the survey stated that they never heard of those persons stated in the SOK sources.

Also the change of the living place (address) impacted in the duration of the project as planned.

The SOK interviewers were obliged to identify the elderly persons 100+ years of age through any ID valid document stating the name, surname, date and the place of birth based on the statements of the elderly persons declaring their age or their relatives.

It is worth mentioning that two (2) persons although they had valid ID documents on their age above 100 years of age, based on the statements of the relatives and their own statements, it was proofed that they do not have necessary age to be included in this survey.

Than started the process of collection, classification, verification, the analyzing and the drawings of tables and maps of the data.

8 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

The time and duration of the accomplishment of the survey

The project was executed during May – November 2007. The duration of the work in the field, the visit to the elderly persons at their living places, the verification of all data provided from the different sources including the interview, took more time than overseen and planned, since the whole territory of Kosovo had to be covered. In the other hand, the SOK had its regular annual activities needed to be executed.

Some data on the life expectancy in the world level

The average life expectancy in the world is 67 years of age.

Based on some surveys executed till nowadays by different scientists, it is believed that the period of early mankind had shorter life expectancy.

Life expectancy depends on living conditions, the impact of climatic conditions, different diseases, clan wars and other factors occurred during different periods of time. Thus, the spice of Neanderthal lived in average of 20 years of age, old Paleolitu had average of life expectancy of 33 years of age, but then the average of life expectancy begins to decrease. But with the improvements of the life conditions, development of the society and of living standards, the average of life expectancy has increased during the different period of times. See table below.

Time period Average of life expectancy

Neanderthal 20 Paleolitu 33 Neolithic 20 Bronze 18 Greek period 20-30 Roman period 20-30 Pre Columbian (years before 1500) 25-35 Century XV-XVII 35 Beginning of 20 century 40 Current average – world level 67

Of course this differs from the level and the living conditions as well as from the other factors, from the country to a country. See below life expectancy table in the world.

9 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Table of elderly persons by country Femal Femal Femal Femal Place/Territory Total Males Place/Territory Total Males Place/Territory Total Males Place/Territory Total Males es es es es . World average 67,2 65 69,5 . World average 67,2 65 69,5 . World average 67,2 65 69,5 . World average 67,2 65 69,5 No No No No

1 Japan 82,6 79 86,1 51 French Guiana 75,9 72,5 79,9 101 Cape Green 71,7 68,3 74,5 149 Mianmar 62,1 59 65,3 Shen V. and 2 Hong Kong 82,2 79,4 85,1 52 Croatia 75,7 72,3 79,2 102 71,6 69,5 73,8 150 Haiti 60,9 59,1 62,8 Grenadinet 3 Iceland 81,8 80,2 83,3 53 Oman 75,6 74,2 77,5 103 Samoa 71,5 68,5 74,8 151 Eats Timor 60,8 60 61,7 4 Switzerland 81,7 79 84,2 54 Bahrain 75,6 74,3 77,5 104 Peru 71,4 68,9 74 152 Ghana 60 59,6 60,5 5 Australia 81,2 78,9 83,6 55 Chatar 75,6 75,2 76,4 105 Estonia 71,4 65,9 76,8 153 Cambodia 59,7 57,3 61,9 6 Spain 80,9 77,7 84,2 56 Poland 75,6 71,3 79,8 106 Egypt 71,3 69,1 73,6 154 Iraq 59,5 57,8 61,5 7 Sweden 80,9 78,7 83 57 Panama 75,5 73 78,2 107 Marocco 71,2 69 73,4 155 Gambia 59,4 58,6 60,3 8 Izrael 80,7 78,5 82,8 58 Guam (USA) 75,5 73,3 77,9 108 Georgia 71 67,1 74,8 156 Madagaskar 59,4 57,7 61,3 9 Makao 80,7 78,5 82,8 59 Argentina 75,3 71,6 79,1 109 Iran 71 69,4 72,6 157 Sudan 58,6 57,1 60,1 10 France 80,7 77,1 84,1 60 Antila Holand 75,1 71,3 78,8 110 Indonesia 70,7 68,7 72,7 158 Togo 58,4 56,7 60,1 11 Canada 80,7 78,3 82,9 61 Equador 75 72,1 78 111 Thailand 70,6 66,5 75 159 New Eritrea 58 55,6 60,3 Bosnia ang Papua - Guinea 12 Italy 80,5 77,5 83,5 62 74,9 72,2 77,4 112 Guatemala 70,3 66,7 73,8 160 57,2 54,6 60,4 Hercegovina e Re 13 New Zeland 80,2 78,2 82,2 63 Slovakia 74,7 70,7 78,5 113 Surinami 70,2 67 73,6 161 Nigeria 56,9 57,8 56 14 Norvey 80,2 77,8 82,5 64 Montenegro 74,5 72,4 76,8 114 Honduras 70,2 66,9 73,7 162 Gabon 56,7 56,4 57,1 15 Singapor 80 78 81,9 65 Vietnam 74,2 72,3 76,2 115 Vanuatu 70 68,3 72,1 163 Benin 56,7 55,6 57,8 Trinidad and 16 Austria 79,8 76,9 82,6 66 Malaysia 74,2 72 76,7 116 69,8 67,8 71,8 164 Guinea 56 54,4 57,6 Tobago Republic of 17 Netherlands 79,8 77,5 81,9 67 Aruba (Holland) 74,2 71,3 77,1 117 Belarus 69 63,1 75,2 165 55,3 54 56,6 Kongo Republic of 18 Martinique 79,5 76,5 82,3 68 74,2 71,8 76,6 118 KOSOVA 69 67 71 166 Gibuti 54,8 53,6 56 Macedonia 19 Greece 79,5 77,1 81,9 69 Syria 74,1 72,3 76,1 119 Moldova 68,9 65,1 72,5 167 Mali 54,5 52,1 56,6 French Polynesi 20 Belgium 79,4 76,5 82,3 70 74,1 71,7 76,8 120 Fiji 68,8 66,6 71,1 168 Kenia 54,1 53 55,2 (France) 21 Malta 79,4 77,3 81,3 71 Serbia 74 71,7 76,3 121 Grenada 68,7 67 70,3 169 Ethiopia 52,9 51,7 54,3 F. States of 22 United Kingdom 79,4 77,2 81,6 72 Libya 74 71,7 76,9 122 68,5 67,7 69,3 170 Namibia 52,9 52,5 53,1 Mikronesia 23 Germany 79,4 76,5 82,1 73 Tunisia 73,9 71,9 76 123 Maldavive 68,5 67,6 69,5 171 Tansania 52,5 51,4 53,6 USA Virgin 24 79,4 75,5 83,3 74 Venezuela 73,7 70,9 76,8 124 Ukraine 67,9 62,1 73,8 172 Burkina Faso 52,3 50,7 53,8 Ilands Equadorial 25 Finland 79,3 76,1 82,4 75 Saint Lucia 73,7 71,8 75,6 125 Azerbaijan 67,5 63,8 71,2 173 51,6 50,4 52,8 Guinea

26 Guadeolupe 79,2 76 82,2 76 Bahamas 73,5 70,6 76,3 126 South Korea 67,3 65,1 69,3 174 Uganda 51,5 50,8 52,2

Palestinian 27 Canal Islands 79 76,6 81,5 77 73,4 71,8 75 127 Uzbekistan 67,2 64 70,4 175 Botsuana 50,7 50,5 50,7 territories 28 Cyprus 79 76,5 81,6 78 Hungary 73,3 69,2 77,4 128 Kazakhstan 67 61,6 72,4 176 Chad 50,6 49,3 52 Republic of 29 78,9 76,5 81,3 79 Tonga 73,3 72,3 74,3 129 Guyana 66,8 64,2 69,9 177 Cameroon 50,4 50 50,8 Ireland 30 Costa Rika 78,8 76,5 81,2 80 Bulgaria 73 69,5 76,7 130 Mongolia 66,8 63,9 69,9 178 Burundi 49,6 48,1 51 Puero Riko 31 78,7 74,7 82,7 81 Lituania 73 67,5 78,3 131 Tajikista 66,7 64,1 69,4 179 South Africa 49,3 48,8 49,7 (USA) People's Republic 32 Luxemburg 78,7 75,7 81,6 82 73 71,3 74,8 132 West Shara 65,9 64,3 68,1 180 Côte d'Ivoire 48,3 47,5 49,3 of China Uniter Arab 33 78,7 77,2 81,5 83 Nicaragua 72,9 69,9 76 133 Kyrgyzstan 65,9 62 69,9 181 Malaui 48,3 48,1 48,4 Emirates 34 South Corea 78,6 75 82,2 84 Columbia 72,9 69,2 76,6 134 Bhutan 65,6 64 67,5 182 Somalia 48,2 46,9 49,4 35 Chili 78,6 75,5 81,5 85 Mauritis 72,8 69,5 76,2 135 Bolivia 65,6 63,4 67,7 183 Nigeria 46,9 46,4 47,3 Sao Tome and 36 Denmark 78,3 76 80,6 86 Saudi Arabia 72,8 70,9 75,3 136 65,5 63,6 67,4 184 DR, Congo 46,5 45,2 47,7 Principe

37 Cuba 78,3 76,2 80,4 87 Latvia 72,7 67,3 77,7 137 Pakistan 65,5 65,2 65,8 185 Guinea-Bisau 46,4 44,9 47,9

38 USA 78,2 75,6 80,8 88 Jamaica 72,6 70 75,2 138 Russia 65,5 59 72,6 186 Ruanda 46,2 44,6 47,8

39 Portugal 78,1 75 81,2 89 Jordan 72,5 70,8 74,5 139 Comoros 65,2 63 67,4 187 Central Liberia 45,7 44,8 46,6

Central African 40 Slovenia 77,9 74,1 81,5 90 Romania 72,5 69 76,1 140 India 64,7 63,2 66,4 188 44,7 43,3 46,1 Republic 41 Kuwait 77,6 76 79,9 91 Shiri Lanka 72,4 68,8 76,2 141 Laos 64,4 63 65,8 189 Afganistan 43,8 43,9 43,8 42 Barbados 77,3 74,4 79,8 92 Brazil 72,4 68,8 76,1 142 Mauritania 64,2 62,4 66 190 Zimbabve 43,5 44,1 42,6 43 Brunei 77,1 75 79,7 93 Algeria 72,3 70,9 73,7 143 Bangladesh 64,1 63,2 65 191 Angola 42,7 41,2 44,3 Dominican 44 Czech Republic 76,5 73,4 79,5 94 72,2 69,3 75,5 144 Nepal 63,8 63,2 64,2 192 Lesoto 42,6 42,9 42,3 Republic

45 Reunion 76,4 72,3 80,5 95 Lebanon 72 69,9 74,2 145 Solomon Islands 63,6 62,7 64,5 193 Sierra Leone 42,6 41 44,1

46 Albania 76,4 73,4 79,7 96 Armenia 72 68,4 75,1 146 Turkmenistan 63,2 59 67,5 194 Zambia 42,4 42,1 42,5 47 Uruguai 76,4 72,8 79,9 97 El Salvador 71,9 68,8 74,9 147 Senegal 63,1 61 65,1 195 Mozambiku 42,1 41,7 42,4 48 Mexico 76,2 73,7 78,6 98 Turkey 71,8 69,4 74,3 148 Jemen 62,7 61,1 64,3 196 Suaziland 39,6 39,8 39,4 49 Belize 76,1 73,3 79,2 99 Paraguay 71,8 69,7 73,9 New Caledonia 50 76,1 72,8 79,7 100 Philippines 71,7 69,5 73,9 (Franc)

10 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

These data indicate that the longer average life expectancy in the world is in Japan with 82.6 years of age.

In the world level, Kosovo is in the rank of 118 regarding the average life expectancy from 69 years of age (males 67 and females 71) while Albania is in rank of 46 with the average life expectancy of 76.4 years of age (males 73 and females 79.7).

Researchers and scientists of the 21 century dealing with the life expectancy of the human kind in the world of the, assessed that only one (1) person in 100 thousand inhabitants can live longer than 100 years of age while among them only one (1) can have more than 110 years of age and from total of 5.000 elderly above 110 years of age only one (1) has possibility to live 120 years of age.

According to the statistical data and health statistics, the person that lived longer in the world till nowadays is from France, called Jeanne Calmënt (female), born in February 21, 1875, and lived until 1997 (August, 4); she is estimated that lived for 122 years and 164 days of age. She is also signed in the Guinness world records as a person who lived the longest age in the world. She had five children and there of them are still alive: Irma and Hilda 81 years of age, and the son Anibal, 77 years of age.

Emiliano Mercado Del Toro, from Puerto Rico, is recorded as the male who lived the longest age, 114 years of age.

The most female elderly persons in 2007 are considered to be Edna Parker from the USA, born in April 20, 1893, and Maria de Jesus, born in September 10, 1893, in Portugal; they lived 114 – years of age. The most male elderly person is considered to be (and still alive) Tomoji Tanabe from Japan, and he is 112 years of age (born in September 18, 1895).

The most elderly persons in the world

This table shows the list of twenty but most elderly persons in the world: by age, date of birth and residency. Twenty but most elderly persons in the world No Name, Surname Age Date of Birth Residency 1 Edna Parker 114 years and 227 days April 20, 1893 USA, Indiana 2 Maria de Jesus 114 years and 84 days September 10, 1893 Portugal, Santarém 3 Arbella Ewing 113 years and 265 days March 13, 1894 USA, Texas 4 Gertrude Bainës 113 years and 241 days April 6, 1894 USA, California 5 Tsunëyo Toyonaga 113 years and 196 days May 21, 1894 Japan, Kochi 6 Clémëntinë Solignac 113 years and 87 days September 7, 1894 France, Auvergne 7 Leila Backman Shull 113 years and 48 days October 16, 1894 USA, South Carolina 8 Catherinë Hagel 113 years and 5 days November 28, 1894 USA, Minnesota 9 Kaku Yamanaka 112 years and 357 days December 11, 1894 Japan, Aichi 10 Beatrice Farve 112 years and 217 days April 30, 1895 USA 11 Tomoji Tanabe 112 years and 76 days September 18,1895 Japan 12 Henry Allingham 111 years and 180 days June 6, 1896 England 13 George Francis 111 years and 180 days June 6, 1896 California, USA 14 Waltër Breuning 111 years and, 73 days September 21 1896 Montana, USA 15 Augusto de Oliveira 111 years and 58 days October 6 1896 Portugal 16 Waltër Seward 111 years and 51 days October 13, 1896 New Jersey, USA 17 Nicholas Kao Se Tseien 110 years and 322 days January 15, 1897 Hong Kong, China 18 Jiroemon Kimura 110 years and 228 days April 19,1897 Japan, Kyoto 19 Kiyoshi Igarashi 110 years and 123 days August 2, 1897 Japan, Hokkaidō 20 Aarnë Arvonën 110 years and, 121 days August4, 1897 Finland, Uusimaa

11 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons in Kosovo 100+ years of age

The average life expect in Kosovo is assessed to be around 69 years of age - for males 67 and for females 71 years of age.

Preliminary data were surprisingly regarding the number of persons above 100 years of age, according to the SOK sources.

After the verification of the data in the field it appears that Kosovo had a lower number comparing them with the preliminary lists but, in the other hand, if it is compared with the life expectancy in the world level showing that in 100 thousand inhabitants only one (1) persons lives above 100 years of age (or in 1 million inhabitants live 10 persons above this age), in Kosovo, according to the data, the life expectantly is higher than the average of the world.

This finding appears to be reliable and true since, as it was said before, the valid ID document and the direct statement of the interviewers (by elderly persons themselves and relatives) was one of the main criteria of the survey.

After analyzing the data provided from the different sources, it appears that Kosovo has considerable number of population that passed the age of 100 years and above.

Therefore, based on the data, the number of persons that passed a century of life-long-living in Kosovo is 73 persons.

According to these data, we have one (1) elderly person with 100+ years of age in every 34,250 inhabitants in Kosovo.

Some characteristics of elderly persons 100+ years of age

in Kosovo

Elderly by regions (statistical division)

If you look at Kosovo as a region (divided in seven regions) it can bee seen that Prizren has the higher number of elderly persons with total of 17 persons or 23.3%, then comes Pristina with 13 or 17.8%, Peja and Gjakova also with 9 persons each or 12.3%.

Region Total Prizren 17 23.3 Prishtinë 13 17.8 Ferizaj 10 13.7 Gjakovë 9 12.3 Pejë 9 12.3 Mitrovicë 8 11 Gjilani 7 9.6 Gjithsej 73 100

12 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Territorial scope of elderly persons by municipality

From the total of 30 municipalities in Kosovo, there were no elderly persons 100+ years of age in nine (9) of them: Leposaviq, Shtërpcë, Zubin Potok, Zveçan, Istog, Novobërdë, Obiliq, Rahovec and Viti.

The highest focus of the elderly persons in Kosovo was the municipality of Prizren with total of 10 persons or 13.7% above age of 100 years, then Kaçanik with 7 or 9.6%, Deçani, Peja and Vushtrri with 6 or 8.2 % persons.

13 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Participation of the elderly persons by permanent residency

Data indicate that the highest participation in Kosovo lies in Prizren with 13.7%, then Kaçanik with 9.6%, Vushtrri, Peja and Deçan with 8.2% each, of the elderly persons with 100+ years of age.

Code Municipality Number of elderly Participation by residency (%)

1Prizreni 10 13.7

2 Kaçaniku 79.6

3 Deçani 68.2

4Peja 68.2

5 Vushtrria 68.2

6 Gllogoci 56.8

7 Ferizaj 56.8

8Prishtina 45.5

9 Suhareka 45.5

10 Gjakova 34.1

11 Gjilani 22.7

12 Kamenica 22.7

13 Mitrovica 22.7

14 Lipjani 22.7

15 Skenderaj 22.7

16 Malisheva 22.7

17 Dragashi 11.4

18 Klina 11.4

19 Fushë Kosova 11.4

20 Podujeva 11.4

21 Shtime 11.4

22 Istogu 00

23 Leposaviqi 00

24 Novobërda 00

25 Obiliqi 00

26 Rahoveci 00

27 Shtërpca 00

28 Vitia 00

29 Z.Potoku 00

30 Zveçani 00 Total 73 100

14 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Participation of elderly persons in 100 thousand inhabitants

The highest participation of the elderly persons comparing them with the number of population in the municipality had the municipality of Kaçanik with 18.5 inhabitants, then Deçan with 12.3 and Gllogoc with 9.4. The lowest participation (except municipalities without elderly above 100 years of age) had the municipality of Pristina with 1, Podujeva 1.2 and Gjilan with 1.9 inhabitants. .

Elderly persons in municipalities and their participation in 100 000 inhabitants

Code Municipality Participation in 100 000 inhabitants

1 Kaçaniku 18.5 2 Deçani 12.6 3 Gllogoci 9.4 4 Vushtrria 7.7 5 Suhareka 6.1 6Prizreni 5.6 7 Ferizaj 4.8 8Peja 4.6 9 Malisheva 4.3 10 Shtime 4.2 11 Skenderaj 3.9 12 Kamenica 3.8 13 Fushë Kosova 3 14 Lipjani 2.9 15 Gjakova 2.6 16 Dragashi 2.5 17 Klina 2.1 18 Mitrovica 2.1 19 Gjilani 1.9 20 Podujeva 1.2 21 Prishtina 1 22 Istogu 0 23 Leposaviqi 0 24 Novobërda 0 25 Obiliqi 0 26 Rahoveci 0 27 Shtërpca 0 28 Vitia 0 29 Z.Potoku 0 30 Zveçani 0

15 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

16 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons by residency and the municipality at birth

Data indicate that 8 persons or 11.0% of the elderly persons are born outside Kosovo (this phenomenon appears mainly to females married in Kosovo).

In the municipality of Istog, Rahovec and Viti, there are persons born in these municipalities but not living there nowadays.

Municipality Residency Municipality at birth

Deçani 8.2 6.8 Gjakova 4.1 1.4 Gllogoci 6.8 4.1 Gjilani 2.7 2.7 Dragashi 1.4 1.4 Istogu 0.0 1.4 Kaçaniku 9.6 6.8 Klina 1.4 1.4 Fushë Kosova 1.4 2.7 Kamenica 2.7 4.1 Mitrovica 2.7 4.1 Leposaviqi 0.0 0.0 Lipjani 2.7 4.1 Novobërda 0.0 0.0 Obiliqi 0.0 0.0 Rahoveci 0.0 1.4 Peja 8.2 4.1 Podujeva 1.4 4.1 Prishtina 5.5 2.7 Prizreni 13.7 16.4 Skenderaj 2.7 1.4 Shtimë 1.4 1.4 Shtërpca 0.0 0.0 Suhareka 5.5 4.1 Ferizaj 6.8 5.5 Vitia 0.0 1.4 Vushtrria 8.2 4.1 Zubin Potoku 0.0 0.0 Zveçani 0.0 0.0 Malisheva 2.7 1.4 Abroad Kosovo 0.0 11.0

17 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

List of most elderly persons in Kosovo

Below in the table is the list of the most elderly persons in Kosovo by place of birth and permanent residency

No. Name and Surname Place of Birth Municipality Residency Municipality Age 1 Feride Bucolli Strovc Vushtrri Poklek i Vjetër Gllogoc 108 2 Fazile Tahiri Kaqanoll Mitrovicë Selac Mitrovicë 108 3 Zyle Krasniqi Shalinovicë Istog PejëPejë 108 4 Ajmane Hasanaj Strellc i Epërm Deçan Strellc i Ulët Deçan 107 5 Hafije Emini Bresalc Gjilan Zhegër Gjilan 107 6 Fikrije Berisha Kaçanik Kaçanik Runievë Kaçanik 107 7 Sylë Tahiri Shahiq Kamenicë Shahiq Kamenicë 107 8 Bahtije Qehaja Poliçkë Kamenicë Hodonoc Kamenicë 107 9 Nurije KrasniqiHoqë e Qytetit Prizren Hoqë e Qytetit Prizren 107 10 Hamide Ferati Tërn Ferizaj Shtime Shtime 107 11 Hyra Fejza Maxher Mitrovicë Kçiç i Madh Mitrovicë 107 12 Hajrije Berisha Strofc Vushtrri Bivolak Vushtrri 107 13 Hateme Morina Radost Rahovec Radostë Rahovec 107 14 Xhevë Zulfaj Novosellë Prizren Senik Malishevë 107 15 Zylfije Vesiqi Zborc Shtime Ribar i Madhe Lipjanit 107 16 Halime Rama Samadregj Vushtrri Mazhiq Mitrovicë 106 17 Azem Dakaj Kabash Prizren Kabash Prizren 106 18 Huma Aliaj Zhur Prizren Sallagrazhdë Suharekë 106 19 Hatmane Ferizaj Isniq Deçan Beleg Deçan 105 20 Nazif Ademaj Petrovë Shtime Petrovë Shtime 105 21 Zylfije Ramishi Budrikë Gjilan Ferizaj Ferizaj 105 22 Azemine Mazreku Bllacë Suharekë Malishevë Malishevë 105 23 Sherife Hykolli Llapushnik Gllogoc Kishnarekë Gllogoc 104 24 Sahit Syla Gllamnik Podujevë Gllamnik Podujevë 104 25 Sala EjupiSharban Prishtinë Prishtinë Prishtinë 104 26 Sofe Mataj Strellc i Poshtëm Deçan Pobërxhë Deçan 104 27 Hatmane Alidemaj Pozhar Deçan Prilep Deçan 104 28 Hazir Matoshi Gëmicë Kamenicë Gëmicë Kamenicë 103 29 Hava Ahmetaj Korish Prizren Korishë Prizren 103 30 Salije Memaj Zhur Prizren Zhur Prizren 103 31 Hana Gegaj Gjinaj Kukës-Shqiperi Sallagrazhdë Suharekë 103 32 Xhezide Bajrami Komogllavë Ferizaj Zllatar Ferizaj 103 33 Hysnije Zariqi Nerodime Ferizaj Rahovicë Ferizaj 103 34 Tahire BytyqiGadime Lipjan Mirosalë Ferizaj 103 35 Rrahime Gallopeni Gjinovc Suharekë Dobërdolan Suharekë 103 36 Cube Berisha Fierzë Fierzë-Shqiperi Ramoc Orize 102 37 Sherife BytyqiMleqan Malishevë Arllat Gllogoc 102 38 Smake Munishi Tërstenik Gllogoc Tërstenik Gllogoc 102 39 Nazmije Berisha Kaçanik Kaçanik Runievë Kaçanik 102 40 Nazmi Demnika Komogllavë Ferizaj Sopponicë Kaçanik 102 41 Zake Kelmendi Dugajevë PejëDugajevë Pejë 102 42 Hajrija Housiq Kolloleq Rozhajë Kolloleq Rozhajë 102 43 Selvije Ademaj Vërmicë Prizren Zhur Prizren 102 44 Nazife Barani Greikoc Suharekë Klinë e Epërme Skenderaj 102 45 Hava SadrijaBellopojë Podujevë Dumnicë e Poshtme Vushtrri 102 46 Muharrem Merovci Mirovc Podujevë Samadrexhë Vushtrri 102 47 Nazlije Kicaj Delloc Suharekë Grejkoc Suharekë 102 48 Kadire KrasniqiCaparc Prizren Nashec Prizren 102 49 Huma Seferaj Kushnin Has Prizren Lubizhdë Has Prizren 102 50 Ajshe Rraci Turjak Malishevë Siqevë Klinë 102 51 Gjylshahe Krasniqi Gllogjan Deçan Dubovik Deçan 102 52 Ajne Rexhepi Tropojë Tropojë Babaj Boks Gjakovë 102 53 Fatime Ahmeti Svircë Medvegje Krileve Kamenice 102 54 Tahire Sinani Abri e Epërme Gllogoc Nekoc Gllogoc 101 55 Nexharije Shaqiri Livoç I Ulët Gjilan Malishevë Gjilan 101 56 Bajram Dumani Miradi e Epërme Fushë Kosovë Miradi e Ulët Fushë Kosovë 101 57 Selime Gashi Bregu i Zi Lipjan Vrellë Lipjan 101 58 Hasan Nikçi Rekë e Allagës Pejë Rekë e Allagës Pejë 101 59 Hatmane KrasniqiKliqinë PejëKliqinë Pejë 101 60 Fetije Çupi Bllacë Maqedoni Paldenicë Kaçanik 101 61 Miradije Topalli Prushaj Kaçanik Sopponicë Kaçanik 101 62 Hajrije Zhubi Rushta Mostar Baballoq Deçan 101 63 Esref Esati Kukulan Dragash Kukulan Dragash 101 64 Zef Tetaj Ramoc Gjakovë Ramoc Gjakovë 100 65 Xhemile Luzha Begracë Kaçanik Kaçanik Kaçanik 100 66 Rashid Crnovrshanin Zminac Bijelo PoljeZminac Bijelo Polje 100 67 Dilaver Jusufi Skorobishtë Prizren Lubizhdë Prizren 100 68 Zelfije Bajraktari Qubrel Skenderaj Klinë e Epërme Skenderaj 100 69 Avdullah Xhafa Bare Mitrovicë Bare Mitrovicë 100 70 Agush Curri Dërmjak Kaçanik Dërmjak Kaçanik 100 71 Sherife Ninaj Lubizhdë e Hasit Prizren Milaj Prizren 100 72 Xhevahire Rashica Lismir Fushë Kosovë Studime e Poshtme Vushtrri 100 73 Muharrem Bollopoja Lebane Prishtine Lebane Prishtinë 100

Table also shows the most elderly person in Kosovo which is female person, called Feride Bucolli from Gllogoc, while the eldest male person in Kosovo is called Sylë Tahiri from the village of Shahiq, municipality of Kamenica. 18 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons by year of birth

Table indicates that there are two (2) female persons in Kosovo born in the XIX century. This also indicates that these persons captured 3 centuries: XIX, XX and XXI century.

Year of Birth Number of Persons % 1899 2 2.7 1900 13 17.8 1901 3 4.1 1902 4 5.5 1903 5 6.8 1904 8 11.0 1905 18 24.7 1906 10 13.7 1907 10 13.7 Total 73 100

Te moshuarit sipas vitit te lindjes 30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 123456789

19 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons by sea-altitude of the place of living

The GIS section of the SOK has also drawn sea-altitude of the place of living that these persons live currently (by permanent residency). Better part of elderly persons has lived in other places but they have changed the place of living due to the conditions in those places.

In the sea-altitude 300 – 600m, live 63%, in the sea-latitude of 601-900 live 23.3%, in the sea- altitude of 901-1200 live 9,6% and in the sea-latitude of 1201 and more live 4.1% of the elderly persons of Kosovo.

Sea-altitude by permanent residency

Sea-altitude Number of persons %

300 - 600 46 63.0 601 - 900 17 23.3 901 - 1200 7 9.6 1201+ 3 4.1 Total 73 100.0

Elderly persons in Kosovo by gender

Demographic and health statistics indicate that females live longer for 4-5 years of age – and this survey reveals that.

Data show that the larger number of elderly persons in Kosovo is made up by females with 57 or 78.1%, and males with 16 or 21.9%.

From the total, 15 persons are above 107 years of age and only one (1) of them is male.

Structure of elderly by gender

Females 78.1

Males, 21.9

20 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons by marital status1

From the majority part of the elderly persons, 72 persons or 98.6% were married once or twice during their life. It is worth and interesting to mention that only one (1) person, male, has never been married.

Once married during their life are 54 persons or 75% - from them 66.7 %are males and 77.2% are females.

Twice married are 14 persons or 19.4% - from them 13.3% are males and 21.1% are females.

Three times or more married are 4 persons or 5.6% - from them 20% are males and 1.7% are females.

During the interviews, no couple has been meet that was above 100 years of age.

Married during the life Total Given in % Males Females

Once 54 73.9 10 62.5 44 77.1 Twice 14 19.2 2 12.5 12 21.1 Three times and/or more 4 5.5 3 18.8 1 1.8 Never 1 1.4 1 6.2 0 0.0 Total 73 100.0 16 100.0 57 100.0

Elderly persons and their successors

It is mentioned above that from the total of 73 persona of this age, 72 of them were married. But data indicated that not all of them leave successors. From the total of 73 above 100 years of age, 11 persons or 15.1% do not have successors. The average of the successors for the married persons is around 46.1 persons for everyone.

Elderly persons by occupation

Based on the period of time that they lived, the better part of the elderly persons by occupation were housewives or farmers. Of them, 80,0% of the male group by occupation were farmers while the other part, 20%, coal-miners. For females, 96.4% were housewives and 3.6% were handicraft. It is peculiar to mention that even though there (3) of them were coal-miners by occupation (estimated to be a heavy work-job), they passed the age of 100 years of age.

Occupation Males Females Farmer 80.0 0.0 Housewife 0.0 96.4 Handicraft 0.0 3.6 Coal-miners 20.0 0.0

1 Means marital status held before. 21 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons and tobacco smoking

At the time the interviews were held, it was noted that 84.9% have never smoked tobaccos while 15.1% did.

From the total of 11 tobacco consumers, 3 or 27.3% are males and 8 or 72.7% are females.

In relation males with males and females with females, it is noted that males consume tobaccos (18.8 %) and females (14%).

Have you Total Males Females smoked tobaccos No. % No. % No. % YES 11 15.1 3 18.8 8 14.0 NO 62 84.9 13 81.2 49 86.0 Total 73 100.0 16 100.0 57 100.0

Elderly persons and food consumption

In the question on what type of bread they have been using, majority of them stated that they consumed bread produced of maize 47.9%, mixed 32.9%, corn 13.7%, and so on. See table below.

Code Type of consumed bread Number of elderly persons % 1 Maize 35 48.0 2 Corn 10 13.7 3 Rye 2 2.7 4 Barley 2 2.7 5 Mixed 24 32.9 Total 73 100.0

Elderly persons and the use of fat

Data on below table show that 66 persons or (90.5%) stated that they used fats from cattle and the other part stated that they used fat-oil or something else.

Number of elderly Code Type of consumed fats % persons 1 Cattle fat 66 90.5 2 Fat-oil 5 6.8 3 Other 2 2.7 Total 73 100.0

22 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Elderly persons and the consumption of alcohol

Table below shows that 69 of elderly persons or 94.5% stated that they have never consumed alcohol while only 4 persons or 5.5% stated that they consumed alcohol sometimes.

Alcohol consumption Number of elderly persons %

Never 69 94.5

Sometimes 4 5.5

Total 73 100.0

Elderly persons and their health condition

From all visited and interviewed persons, majority of them had satisfactory health condition. From them, two (2) elderly persons were in bad health condition.

Total Good Satisfactory Not good Other Number % Number % Number % Number % Number % 35 48.0 10 43.5 19 57.6 5 33.3 1 50.0 10 13.7 3 13.0 2 6.1 5 33.3 0 0.0 2 2.7 0 0.0 2 6.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 2 2.7 0 0.0 2 6.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 24 32.9 10 43.5 8 24.2 5 33.3 1 50.0 73 100.0 23 100.0 33 100.0 15 100.0 2 100.0

23 Elderly persons in Kosovo aged 100 years and above

Statistical Office of Kosovo a brief description The Statistical Office of Kosovo, Is a professional office operating since 1948, which passed through some of the historic phases; it has been structured by the state rule of that time. The Statistical Office of Kosovo restarted its work on August 2, 1999, as an independent and professional office in the frames of the Ministry of Public Services. The SOK is financed by the Kosovo Consolidated Budget and donors for various projects.

The Statistical Office of Kosovo acts pursuant the Regulation 2001/14, which entered into force on July 2, 2001. A medium-term Master Plan is being developed for the statistical system of Kosovo compatible with the European Statistics.

SOK Organization Structure; Composes of: four productive departments (Department of Economic Statistics and National Accounts, Department of Population Statistics, Department of Social Statistics and Department of Agricultural and Environment Statistics), seven Regional Offices (located in Gjakova, Gjilan, Mitrovica, Peja, Prizren, Pristina and Ferizaj), two support departments (Department of Methodology and Information Technology and Department of Administration), as well as the Office of the Census. Total employees are 134, of them 96 (71.6%) within the SOK offices whilst 38 (28.4%) in regional offices. There is also a support and cooperation with the international institutions. Statistics Office of Kosovo covers Kosovo entirely. For implementation of the surveys in the field, the SOK uses appropriate sampling and methodology. During the collection of the reports from the reporting units, the SOK engages professionals, technicians, administrators and civilians form the local offices, and regional field registrations. Recently, a team of national and international experts are working in the project of registration of the population.

SOK Mission; To fulfill the needs of the users with the reliable statistical data and with regular analyses in order to support government departments and to provide them with proper information for decision-making process; as well as for other users in Kosovo.

• Address: Statistical Office of Kosovo, Zenel Salihu Str. No. 4, Pristina • Telephones: Head-quarters: +381 (0) 38 235 111 Director: +381 (0) 38 235 545 or +381 (0) 38 504 604 ext. 6572 • Fax: +381 (0) 38 235 033 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web-site: www.ks-gov.net/esk