'A natural result of how she lives': The secrets behind a 111-year-old Chinese woman's longevity

A 111-year-old Chinese woman has drawn attention for crediting everyday habits — housework and light exercise among them — as the keys to her long life.

The South China Morning Post reported Saturday (local time) that Wang Gaiying, 111, who lives in Rugao in eastern China's Jiangsu Province, attributes her longevity to consistent physical activity, a modest diet, a positive mindset and adequate sleep.

Rugao is widely regarded as one of China's premier longevity cities. As of February, the city was home to 672 residents aged 100 or older.

Researchers at the Institute of Soil Science under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Nanjing have identified the region's mineral-rich soil as a key reason why Rugao residents tend to live exceptionally long lives. Such soil, they say, produces crops abundant in elements beneficial to human health.

Wang currently lives with five generations of her family; her grandchildren are already in their 60s.

Even just past the age of 100, Wang was still working in the fields, harvesting peanuts and watermelons. Though her pace has slowed with age, she says her mind and spirit remain as sharp as ever, and she still moves about with ease — wiping down the dining table and folding laundry on her own.

Her family urges her to rest, but Wang insists that moving her arms and legs promotes blood circulation, and that staying consistently active is the secret to aging gracefully.

A simple but balanced diet is another pillar of her health. Wang is particularly fond of fish, which she favors for its tenderness and digestibility. She tries to eat a variety of foods and consciously avoids overeating. Until about five years ago she enjoyed rice soaked in baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor, but gave up the habit after recognizing the risks — including falls — associated with drinking.

Kindness is a third secret. Wang follows a personal rule of performing one small act of goodness each day, whether complimenting a family member or checking in on an old friend. By nature calm and even-tempered, she does not hold onto anger. "I never go to bed with worries on my mind," she said. "After a good night's sleep, I often realize the thing I was upset about wasn't worth getting angry over in the first place."

The final secret is a regular sleep schedule. Wang goes to bed around 7 p.m. and sleeps soundly until 7 a.m., and also takes one or two short naps during the day.

Local internet users who came across her story responded warmly, with comments such as "She is truly blessed" and "Rugao residents seem to have inherited longevity genes. Wang's long life feels like not just good fortune, but a natural result of the way she lives."