Chinese longevity secrets: 111-year-old woman who sleeps 12 hours shares the habits she follows and avoids to stay healthy & active even at her age

Chinese longevity secrets: What if some of the secrets to a long life are surprisingly simple? A 111-year-old woman in eastern China has attracted attention online after sharing the everyday habits she believes have helped her stay active, cheerful and healthy well into old age.

Wang Gaiying, who lives in Rugao in Jiangsu province, comes from a region known for its unusually high number of centenarians. According to the Jianghai Evening News, 672 people aged 100 or above were living in the area as of February. From staying physically active to eating a varied diet and maintaining a calm outlook, Wang's routine offers a fascinating glimpse into her approach to ageing.

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111-year-old woman still keeps herself active

Wang's biggest longevity lesson is perhaps the simplest, keep moving. Even after turning 100, she continued helping with farm work, including harvesting peanuts and watermelons.

Today, she has naturally slowed down but remains mentally alert and energetic. She continues doing small household tasks such as wiping tables and folding clothes. When her family members ask her to rest, Wang reportedly argues that keeping her body moving is good for her.

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For her, everyday chores are not simply responsibilities. She considers them a form of exercise that helps keep her limbs active and her body moving.

What does the 111-year-old eat?

Wang follows a relatively simple and varied eating pattern rather than relying on a highly restrictive diet. Her family regularly changes her meals, with staples including dumplings and steamed buns.

Fish is reportedly her favourite food, partly because she finds it soft and easy to digest. Her approach is less about following complicated food rules and more about eating a variety of foods without overeating.

However, there was one unusual part of her former diet. Social media influencer Yaoqing Ge, who visited Wang in December, said she once enjoyed eating rice soaked in baijiu, a traditional Chinese alcoholic drink. Her family stopped giving it to her around five years ago because of concerns that alcohol could cause intoxication and increase her risk of falling.

Her longevity secret also involves staying calm

Wang believes that her temperament may also have contributed to her long life. She prefers kindness over anger and follows a personal rule of doing at least one small good deed every day.

These acts do not have to be elaborate. Complimenting a family member or contacting an old friend can count as her daily good deed.

She also avoids holding on to anger. Instead of spending too much time thinking about arguments or frustrations, Wang prefers to sleep and allow the emotions to pass.

111-year-old woman follows a consistent sleep routine

Wang's daily routine also places considerable emphasis on sleep. She typically goes to bed at around 7pm and wakes up at 7am, giving her roughly 12 hours of overnight sleep. She also takes one or two naps during the day.

Her routine reflects a broader pattern of consistency, staying active during the day, eating modestly, maintaining social and family connections and getting plenty of rest.

Why is Rugao known for longevity?

Wang's hometown of Rugao has long attracted attention because of its large centenarian population. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Soil Science in Nanjing have explored whether environmental factors, including the region's mineral-rich soil, could be associated with longevity.

The crops grown in the region contain trace minerals, which researchers have suggested could be one potential factor. However, longevity is complex and cannot be attributed to a single food, mineral or lifestyle habit.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.