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Alice Yan

A 107-year-old woman, dubbed the “age-defying granny,” has trended on mainland social media for her sound health and sharpness of mind.
Centenarian Ding Guijuan lives in Cixi, a small city in the eastern province of Zhejiang.
The local media outlet, Love Cixi, which is operated by the municipal propaganda authority, reported her story.
In the coverage in mid-April Ding shared her longevity tips and sent good wishes to her fans.

According to Ding’s daughter, Chen Xingchao, 84, physical examinations of her mother showed her health was up to standard across the board.
She does not have any of the “three hyper” illnesses, a term which refers to hypertension, hyperlipemia or hyperglycaemia which are common among senior citizens.
Ding has not developed any senile plaque on her face. She has never used skincare products.
“My mother eats well, sleeps well and has a good mindset. She remains happy every day,” Chen, who lives with her mother and takes care of her, told the media.

“She even has a better memory than me,” added Chen.
In front of the camera, Ding introduced herself by saying: “I am the oldest person in my residential community.”
“I hope everyone can stay healthy and live a long time,” she said.
Ding said she often taught her daughter how to prepare food and cook.
“My mother usually selects nutritious food. She has eaten vegetarian dishes for a long time. I think that is perhaps one reason for her longevity,” said Chen.

Ding’s story has sparked a heated online debate.
“I know of this granny who lives on Daxin Road. She has good skin. Her family are all kind to everyone. I see her often praying to Buddha,” one internet user said.
“Her family must have a longevity gene. Her daughter looks pretty young although she is already 84,” said another person.
A third person said: “I have received the blessings from this granny. I hope I can be healthy and live a long life like her.”
People who preserve a robust physical condition despite their advanced years and maintain a dynamic lifestyle often captivate social media in China.

In December, a 100-year-old grandmother-turned food blogger in Shanghai shot to fame for her enthusiasm for eating a range of foods, including strong flavoured dishes and modern favourites like milk tea, cola, coffee and ice cream.
Also in Shanghai, a 102-year-old husband and his wife two years younger trended online for appearing young and being able to cope with life by themselves.
The average life expectancy for Chinese people has reached 79.25 years old, 1.32 years longer than in 2020, said the National Health Commission director Lei Haichao in March.


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Trending in China

A 107-year-old woman in Zhejiang gained attention online for her remarkable health. Free from common illnesses like hypertension and diabetes, she has a sharp memory. Photo: Douyin

Ding Guijuan, above, can still get around on her feet, albeit with a little help. Photo: Baidu

Despite her ripe age, Ding, above, has skin a woman much younger than her would be proud of. Photo: Baidu

An old photo of Ding; she says she is the oldest person in her residential community. Photo: Baidu

Another of China’s centenarians, 103-year-old Xia Zhigu poses with a wax figure of Chinese actress Hai Qing at Madame Tussauds in Wuhan, central China. Photo: Getty Images

Tibetan heartthrob Ding Zhen, who gained fame six years ago after a viral video showcased his handsome face and charming smile, is now a film actor. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

A poster for the film Sumpa Kingdom, above,  which stars Ding Zhen. Photo: Sina

Tibetan herdsman Ding above, became an internet sensation thanks to a viral video which showcased his “pure smile” and rugged appearance. Photo: YouTube

Ding, riding the white horse, above, has appeared in several reality shows. Photo: YouTube 

Ding, above, speaks as part of his role as a tourism ambassador. Photo: Sina

A senior monk in China has attracted attention because of his passion for playing video games. He defends this hobby, claiming it allows him to connect with others. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Venerable Huayan, above, is focused in front of his screen as he plays the game. Photo:  Baidu    

A smiling Huayan smiles as he is interviewed about the unusual passion in his life. Photo: Baidu    

Huayan, above, says the violent and bloody nature of the game does not concern him. Photo:  Baidu    

Huayan pictured at the top of some steps. He says the game allows him to connect with others. Photo:  Baidu    

China boy grabs public attention by ‘handcrafting’ turbojet engine in family’s living room

A 14-year-old boy in China has captured the spotlight by “handcrafting” a turbojet engine in his living room. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/Sohu

Che Jingang holds an engine part up to the camera as he works on his creation. Photo: Handout

Che, above, is a picture of concentration as he works on his latest project. Photo: Handout

A turbine engine pictured in a factory, above. Some people have questioned the authenticity of Che’s story. Photo: Shutterstock

Chinese man supports 6 siblings while parents want more kids, say it boosts chance of success

A 21-year-old man from China supports his six younger siblings, including a sister with a disabled hand and a brother with Down syndrome, by selling pork. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

Sun Pan, above, who is said to work 18 hours a day, holds his baby brother. Photo: Douyin

Sun takes a break from work to eat. He slaughters pigs before butchering them for sale. Photo: Douyin

Sun, above, interacts with a customer while selling pork at his market stall. Photo: Douyin

Family affair: Sun, far left holding a baby, pictured after a meal with his close relatives. Photo: Douyin

Chinese man in his 40s wakes up 40 hours after having no heartbeat following cardiac arrest

A Chinese man in his 40s defied the odds after a cardiac arrest. Following more than 40 hours without a heartbeat, he miraculously recovered. Photo: Shutterstock

A medical team performs cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a patient. Photo: Getty Images 

A masked and gowned doctor uses a defibrillator on a patient. Photo: Shutterstock

Patients pictured on stretchers at a very busy hospital in Shanghai. Photo: AFP

News

People & Culture

Centenarian with flawless skin is oldest person in her residential community; passes full-body health checks with flying colours


Centenarian with flawless skin is oldest person in her residential community; passes full-body health checks with flying colours.


China's ageing population

China vegetarian woman, 107, captivates internet with robust health and sharp memory

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Centenarian with flawless skin is oldest person in her residential community; passes full-body health checks with flying colours

Centenarian with flawless skin is oldest person in her residential community; passes full-body health checks with flying colours