Gerardo arboleda, 75,, smokes a "Chamico" cigarette made by himself at the Vilcabamba valley in Ecuador's Andes mountains. in this photo taken March 4, 2007 These days, the famous elders of Vilcabamba are dying at a younger age, the result of the stresses of modern life brought by the scores of tourists and health buffs who flock here in search of eternal youth. Gangs of youths drinking beer and smoking around the village's main square contrasted sharply with the hardy elders carrying the day's harvest of potatoes, onions and herbs through the steep roads of the Ecuadorean Andes. Old timers say modern life has encroached on and disrupted the valley's tranquil and carefree lifestyle, which was key to their longevity. Centenarians used to be seen playing cards at the main square or sitting in church, villagers say, but there are fewer now as many have died in recent years. They cited recent funerals of two elders believed to be 118 and 124. To match Feature ECUADOR-CENTENARIANS/
REUTERS/GUILLERMO GRANJA