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A 103-year-old man is recovering from his third successful heart surgery. Doctors say it’s possible because the rest of his organs are as healthy as those of a young person.

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Lee Woo-cheon, who was born in 1913, underwent heart surgery on December 7th. He decided to choose surgical intervention despite his advanced age, because his heart problems had made it difficult for him to breathe.

[Soundbite] Lee Woo-cheon(103/Successfully Underwent Heart Surgery) : "Because of my age I was not terrified of the surgery,unlike young people who would be afraid of dying.I'm very pleased with the outcome."

The doctors first lowered the patient's body temperature to 28 degrees Celsius to transplant a new heart valve. It was a complicated surgery that also included the treatment of the patient's aorta and cardiac arrhythmia. However, it took only four hours. The doctors' primary concern was whether or not the elderly patient would be able to endure the operation. But their concerns were lifted. They said that the surgery was successful because the patient's overall health was in perfect condition.

[Soundbite] Prof. Kim Hwan-wook(Seoul St. Mary's Hospital) : "Other patients are usually exhausted physicallyand mentally ahead of the surgery.But this man was in good condition,which was the primary reason for success."

The secret to this man's health is in walking. He says he makes sure to stay active on a daily basis, sometimes walking 40 kilometers a day.

[Soundbite] Lee Woo-cheon(103/Successfully Underwent Heart Surgery) : "I walk a lot. I think I'm healthy because I'm physically active."

The elderly man has been recovering quickly and will soon be discharged from the hospital.