111-year-old shares his surprising longevity diet — You won't believe it
111-year-old Chinese man reveals the secret to longevity (RBC-Ukraine collage, photo: gerontology.fandom.com)
The villagers of Vanyao, south of Shanghai, are accustomed to centenarians, but the story of 111-year-old Zhang Changcheng is remarkable even there. Born on March 17, 1914, he survived World War I, China's civil war, and more than seven decades of communist rule, and still starts each day with a walk in his garden and a smile. What's the secret to his long life, according to What's The Jam?
Secret to the Chinese man's longevity
Zhang believes the key to a long life is a glass of wine, sweets, and a good mood. His family says that he loves sugar so much that he sprinkles it on white rice instead of salt.
"This morning he got angry because his cereal wasn't sweet enough," laughs his daughter-in-law, Cai Alu.
The family admits they go through about four kilograms of sugar per month, but doctors are surprised, as his blood sugar levels remain normal.
Despite his age, Zhang remains active and disciplined. He wakes up at five every morning, washes carefully, brushes his teeth three times a day, and always gets fresh air.
111-year-old Zhang Changcheng (photo: whatsthejam.com)
"He is very particular about cleanliness and how he looks," says his 72-year-old son Zhang Yintong.
The centenarian has dedicated over 50 years of his life to bamboo weaving. His works still decorate homes throughout the Pingyang district, and he has passed his craft on to dozens of students. Even now, he sometimes meets with three of his former students, all 30 years his junior, who share the same love for the art.
Another habit he keeps is a daily glass of wine. He used to smoke, but quit at his family's request. However, he still carries a pack of cigarettes in his pocket, "offers to everyone he meets."
"He has never needed luxury; he is content with a bowl of rice and a jug of water," his son says.
Currently, 22 people in Wanyao are over 90 years old, and two have passed 100. Yet Zhang Changcheng is considered a true legend. He is the second-oldest person in China after 112-year-old Zhou Rencin.
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