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Zoey Zhang

A 102-year-old woman from eastern China has won hearts online with her optimistic attitude and unique lifestyle.
Jin Baoling, a centenarian from a rural area in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, is frequently visited by her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
Known for her longevity and cheerful personality, fellow villagers affectionately call her “Old Baby.”
According to the Taizhou Evening News, Jin is mentally sharp and physically healthy, having not visited a hospital in the past 50 years.

She wakes up around 9am, washes up, and enjoys the sunshine in her garden. By 7pm, she is in bed, after taking naps throughout the day.
Jin’s son, Hu Huamei, says that she can sleep up to 15 hours a day.
Jin is also particular about her diet.
Her breakfast includes dumplings, buns, or wontons, and lunch and dinner usually consist of noodles or rice, each served in a large bowl.
Meat is a must for her, especially pig trotters, which she consumes daily, about half a pound or two to three pieces per meal.
Pig trotters are a popular Chinese delicacy rich in collagen, believed to benefit skin health and often used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In addition to her main meals, Jin enjoys snacks like cakes, bread and tea made with brown sugar and red dates.
She also eats three oranges and two eggs daily.
Despite her love for food, she is very picky and seldom eats vegetables.
Jin also drinks alcohol with every meal. Her home is stocked with jars of rice wine steeped with red dates, longan, lychee and yumberries, all prepared just for her.

Although her leg joints are not very flexible and she needs help walking, Jin’s eyesight remains sharp and her hands are nimble. She often mends socks and repairs shoe soles.
Her son attributes her good health to her open, optimistic attitude.
“She has never argued with anyone and she forgets about troubles as soon as they arise,” said Hu.
He also told the media that his mother, a simple rural housewife, values family harmony above all else. Her greatest wish is for her family to live in peace and happiness.

Jin’s story has inspired many on mainland social media.
One online observer wrote: “The best longevity medicine is living in a way that makes you feel most comfortable, with a heart that does not dwell on things or overthink.”
“Grandma Jin’s incredibly long sleep time and high-quality rest surpass almost all young people,” said another.
A third netizen said: “I am so happy to see a centenarian living life on her own terms with unconventional health habits. My grandfather is 94 years old, loves drinking, staying up late and often sings and plays chess.”


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News

People & Culture

‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else


‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else.


China's ageing population

Health in China

Sleep, pig trotters, wine: how an ‘old baby’ in China has been hospital-free for 50 years

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else

‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else