"No Problem Climbing Stairs"... The Secret to Longevity of a 124-Year-Old Chinese Grandmother

Striving to Maintain a Regular Routine
Always Keeping a Positive Attitude

A Chinese woman over 124 years old shared the secret to her longevity.

A 124-year-old Chinese woman, Chu Chai-se, and her family. Photo by South China Morning Post (SCMP), Hong Kong

On the 14th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) introduced Chu Chai-se (124), who was born in 1901 during the late Qing Dynasty and currently resides in Nanzhong City, Sichuan Province, southwestern China. She had to overcome many hardships and adversities throughout her long life. Having grown up poor and worked as a farmer, Chu Chai-se lost her husband in her 40s and raised four children alone. She also endured the pain of losing her eldest son to illness and took care of her granddaughter left behind instead of her remarried daughter-in-law. Despite all this, Chu Chai-se reportedly maintained a positive attitude. Her granddaughter said, "Grandmother never complains," and added, "Whenever something unfortunate happens, she remains silent for a moment and then rises again with laughter and positive energy."

Additionally, Chu Chai-se cited her effort to maintain a simple yet regular lifestyle amid a busy daily routine as the secret to her longevity. She ate three meals a day at set times and took walks after meals. She finished all her tasks before 8 p.m. and went to bed early. Her favorite foods were porridge made from pumpkin, winter melon, and corn. She liked 'lard,' a solid cooking fat made by boiling pig fat, but she said she ate it moderately following her doctor's advice.

Since turning 100, her eyesight and hearing have slightly declined, but she has not experienced any other significant health problems. She has no major illnesses. Chu Chai-se can still easily climb stairs and perform household chores such as lighting fires and feeding livestock without difficulty. She also combs and ties her hair by herself. When communicating with family or others, she uses clear expressions just like when she was younger.

Local netizens who learned about Chu Chai-se called her a "blessed star" and said, "Her peaceful and optimistic attitude is the secret to her longevity." Another netizen marveled, "She has witnessed over a century of Chinese history. It is truly a legendary life journey."

Chu Chai-se is registered in China's household registration system but has not been officially recognized by institutions outside China. The current world's oldest woman is known to be Sister Irma Canavero from Brazil, aged 116.

Meanwhile, according to the 2020 national census, there are 119,000 people aged 100 or older living in China, the highest number in the world. Also, the local National Health Commission announced in a 2023 report that China's average life expectancy continues to rise, reaching 78.6 years.