101-year-old man drinks Coke, Sprite, still has a sharp memory of his youth days; he follows an unusual morning routine after waking up early

A 101-year-old man in China has attracted attention for a lifestyle that does not fit neatly into the usual conversation around healthy ageing. Lu Shizeng, a great-grandfather from China's Zhejiang province, enjoys Coca-Cola and Sprite, has a particular fondness for fresh seafood and begins his mornings long before many people are awake.

But waking up at 4 am does not mean Lu immediately starts his day. He spends another two hours stretching and relaxing in bed before finally getting up at around 6 am. His routine, along with his food preferences and reported good health, has prompted curiosity.

According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Lu’s fondness for fizzy drinks has become one of the most talked-about aspects of his life at 101.

Lu at 101

Lu lives in eastern China’s Zhejiang province and has gone viral for his reported habit of drinking large amounts of Coca-Cola and Sprite. His lifestyle stands out at a time when many people are turning towards low-sugar diets and other health-conscious routines.

Rather than giving up his favourite drinks, Lu continues to enjoy them. He particularly likes chilled Sprite with a few drops of white wine added to it, according to SCMP’s report.

His food choices are not limited to soft drinks. Fresh seafood is another regular feature of his diet, and he makes a trip to the local market every five days to buy ingredients for his meals.

What does his daily routine look like?

Lu follows a fairly consistent schedule. He finishes dinner at around 5 pm and usually goes to sleep at approximately 8 pm. He wakes up at about 4 am the following morning.

He spends the next two hours stretching leisurely and loosening up before getting up at around 6 am. He also takes a nap around noon.

What does he eat?

Lu’s appetite extends well beyond his favourite fizzy drinks. He enjoys seafood, including fish, shrimp and crabs, and also buys pork and vegetables during his regular market trips.

According to SCMP, the nanny who cares for him says he has a “fantastic appetite”. He can reportedly finish half a bowl of rice and an entire plate of crabs in a single meal.

Lu also enjoys sweet fruits such as watermelon, pears and mandarins. His preference for fresh food is reflected in his shopping routine, with regular trips to the local market forming part of his life.

Until last year, Lu made those journeys on his own tricycle. Following a fall, however, his family stopped him from riding it, and he now travels to the market by rickshaw.

What did Lu say about his health?

Lu is confident about his physical condition. He says he rarely catches a cold and has relatively low blood pressure. He also takes pride in being able to remember details from his younger years.

Speaking about his condition after a fall, Lu said, “Some elderly people may have a stroke after a fall, but I’m totally fine. I can also remember things from my youth quite well.”

His comments offer a glimpse of how he views his own health, although his experience cannot establish that drinking sugary soft drinks or following a particular routine helps people live longer.

His two sons have arranged for a nanny to help care for him. One son lives in Beijing, while the other runs a nearby factory.

How much does he receive as an old-age allowance?

Lu also receives a monthly allowance linked to his age. In Zhejiang province, people aged 100 and above receive 800 yuan a month, while those aged between 90 and 99 receive 100 yuan.

The difference means centenarians receive eight times the monthly amount paid to people in the 90-to-99 age group.

Why has his lifestyle drawn attention?

Lu’s story has prompted online discussion because his favourite drinks run counter to the health advice many people associate with ageing well. Coca-Cola and Sprite are sugary soft drinks, and his reported preference for chilled Sprite mixed with a few drops of white wine has added to the curiosity surrounding his diet.

His routine offers another point of interest. He eats dinner early, goes to sleep at around 8 pm, wakes at 4 am and spends two hours stretching before getting up. He also takes a midday nap and continues to enjoy the food he likes.

However, reaching 101 while following these habits does not prove that the drinks or routine are responsible for his longevity. Individual experiences cannot establish a general health rule, and Lu’s story should not be read as evidence that sugary drinks promote a longer life.

For now, his reported habits have made him an unusual subject of online interest, from his preference for Coke and Sprite to his leisurely mornings and appetite for seafood.