A centenarian from eastern China has shared her surprisingly relaxed approach to living a long life, even at 101 years old.
Jiang Yueqin, residing in Wenzhou City, stands out not only for her age but also for maintaining a complete set of teeth. She finds joy in indulging in snacks while enjoying what she calls ‘trashy’ TV shows late into the night.
Despite her century-long journey, Jiang embraces a laid-back daily schedule. She prefers to have two main meals a day but doesn’t hesitate to treat herself to late-night munchies if the cravings hit.
Often a night owl, Jiang is known to stay awake until around 2 AM, allowing herself the luxury of sleeping in until 10 AM. Her mornings commence with a soothing cup of green tea, setting a gentle tone for the day ahead.
Located just south of Shanghai, Ms. Yueqin usually has her first meal at brunch and enjoys dinner around 6 PM. Her lifestyle suggests that reaching a ripe old age doesn’t necessitate a regimented routine.
Her daughter, Yao Songping, remarks, “My mom is just like a teenager, truly a night owl!”
‘She always stays up until the early hours of the morning and then wakes up naturally at around 10am.
The mother-of-seven eats two square meals a day and snacks at night if she’s still hungry
Ms Yueqin, who lives in Wenzhou City located south of Shanghai, China, will eat her first meal at brunch and her second meal around 6pm
‘She combines breakfast and lunch and eats her second meal around 6pm.
‘If she’s hungry at night, she’ll snack on crisps and cookies.
‘But don’t let her late nights fool you, her sleep quality is excellent.
‘She falls asleep within seconds of lying down.’
She added: ‘My mum’s late-night habits started a few years ago and there’s a reason for it.’
Yao said her mother used to be very active, keeping the house clean and tidy, entertaining visitors, and enjoying long walks.
But she suffered a fall and badly injured her hand and since then her family does more to help her out.
With her days free of tasks, she started to sleep more and soon found it hard to go to bed early at night.
Her husband Yao passed away many years ago. They lived on the same street for decades where they became known as ‘the most romantic couple in the neighbourhood’
Jiang Yueqin still has her full set of teeth and enjoys nothing more than snacking on junk food while watching late-night trash TV
She then got into the habit of watching TV and, over time, her new sleep pattern formed.
Jiang also has a healthy appetite and said her favourite food is water chestnut cake.
Her husband Yao passed away many years ago, but locals still talk about him.
They lived on the same street for many years and they became known as ‘the most romantic couple in the neighbourhood’.
Yao said: ‘My mother is illiterate and can’t read a single character, my father could read and was my mother’s personal translator when they were young.
‘When they were dating, the first thing my father would do after getting his wages was buy cinema tickets and take her hand as they entered the screening room.
‘If my mother couldn’t understand the plot, he would whisper in her ear and explain.
‘And when there were funny scenes, he would imitate the characters’ voices and gestures to make her laugh.’
She has visited over 20 cities in total, fulfilling her travel dream
According to Yao, her elderly mother still reminisces about her trips around China with her husband.
She said: ‘When they were in their forties, they went to Huangshan together.
‘Whenever she talks about this trip, she always sighs and says ‘the mountain was so tall, and the scenery was so beautiful, just like in a painting.’
Despite being widowed and 101 years of age, Jiang still likes to travel with her children and grandkids.
In the past two years, Jiang has travelled to Dongtou, Yongjia, Jinhua, Suzhou and other places.
She has visited over 20 cities in total, fulfilling her travel dreams.
Yao summarised: ‘My mother has spent her whole life taking care of others and rarely thinking about herself.
‘Eating well, sleeping well, and drinking a cup of green tea every day are all small things.
‘Most importantly, she has a good mindset.
‘She doesn’t get angry or take things too seriously, she doesn’t hold grudges.
‘You could say she lives a very enlightened life.’
Elsewhere, Newbury Grove, a residential home operated by Care UK, housed four centenarians as of March last year.
One resident, Barbra Evans, 103, who passed away last September, said: ‘the secret to living to 100 is to be yourself, don’t be someone that you’re not, and always tell the truth.’
Phyllis Inglut, a Newbury resident who passed away last week at the age of 106, said last year that the secret to a long life is acknowledging that nothing really lasts forever.
