Secrets of Chinese longevity: Habits for long and healthy life
Photo: What are the secrets of Chinese longevity (Getty Images)
China is renowned for its culture of healthy living, which promotes longevity. Many people in this country live to 100 years or more thanks to traditions and habits that support both physical and mental health. RBC-Ukraine shares 6 secrets to the longevity of Chinese residents.
Balanced diet: Eat to live, not live to eat
The Chinese diet is rich in natural and healthy products: vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, greens, rice, and green tea. They avoid processed foods, reduce sugar and red meat consumption, and follow the rule of eating small portions, stopping at about 70-80% fullness. This prevents overeating and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Moreover, Chinese cuisine is based on the principle of harmony: food should be balanced in taste, color, and temperature. Dishes are often steamed or stewed to preserve the maximum amount of nutrients.
Daily physical activity: Movement is life
The Chinese believe the body must remain active throughout life. Daily exercise, walks, and traditional practices like tai chi or qigong are integral to their routines. These activities not only maintain physical fitness but also reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost energy balance.
Even in old age, the Chinese stay active by gardening, visiting parks, and exercising outdoors.
Positive attitude: Foundation of mental health
The Chinese believe harmony between body and spirit is the key to a long life. To maintain emotional balance, they practice meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises.
They avoid unnecessary stress and focus on inner peace. A core principle is accepting life as it is and finding joy in small things.
Adequate sleep: Restoring body and mind
The Chinese place great importance on sleep quality and duration. They follow a strict daily routine, going to bed early and waking up at sunrise. This allows the body to restore energy and avoid chronic fatigue.
They also believe in sleeping in a quiet, peaceful environment, free from gadgets and other distractions.
Power of social connections: Family and community as sources of energy
Chinese culture highly values family and social relationships. People spend significant time with their families, care for loved ones, and maintain close ties with friends and neighbors.
They believe positive relationships are a powerful source of energy and emotional well-being. Regular shared meals, family traditions, and celebrations help preserve warmth and closeness in relationships.
Traditional medicine: Support from nature
Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in people's lives. It includes herbal teas, acupuncture, massages, and specialized healing practices.
Particular attention is given to maintaining the balance between "yin" and "yang"—two energetic components of the body. This balance is believed to be the foundation of health and longevity.
The secret to the longevity of the Chinese lies in harmony between physical and spiritual health, proper nutrition, activity, and a deep respect for nature and others. Their way of life proves that simple habits and attention to one's body can significantly improve life quality and extend it for decades.
Read also about 5 Japanese habits that help them live over 100 years.
Earlier, we wrote about a Japanese woman who lived to be 116 years old.
Sources: BBC, Mirror, TSN.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
