Tibet´s oldest woman turns 118

"My father used to travel with a horse caravan that carried tea, salt and fabric to different parts of Tibet," said Yangjen.

Tibet's oldest woman, Arme Tsering(R), celebrates her 118th  birthday at home in the northeastern suburbs of Lhasa,  March 16, 2009. (Xinhua/Soinam Norbu)

After her father died, the family could only make a living by begging or working as shepherds or domestic servants for a rich family. Yangjen's elder sister and younger brother both died of illness in those years.

"My mother is not able to talk any more, but she knows everything by heart," said Yangjen. "We are both happy with today's life, without having to worry about food, clothing or shelter. Just think about it, if we were still begging and homeless, how could my mother have survived to such an age?"