Simple life 'secret' of longevity for Sichuan centenarians

Liu Guiyun, 102 years old feeds hens. [Photo/scol.com.cn]

Liu Guiyun, 102, lives with his 75-year-old blind son, taking care of him as if he were still a baby. Liu's own eyes are still so sharp he can put a thread through a needle without a magnifying glass. No wonder that the father mends the clothes of the family. Liu eats meat every day, mostly fat because of his poor teeth, and occasionally sips liquor.

Considering her sound health, cheerful disposition and nimble movements, few believe that Liu Zhihui is 102 years old. After getting up at six, she cleans the house, prepares food to feed the chickens and collects branches to make a fire. She still has a good appetite, favoring stewed chicken, stewed goose, pork joint, and ciba, a type of glutinous rice cake. The sociable woman likes to strike up a conversation with any stranger who passes her house.

With five daughters and two sons, Zhang Dengxiu gave birth to the youngest son, who still lives with her, at age 54. The 101-year-old has no ailments except poor hearing. She cooks for her son first and then makes her own meal. Occasionally, she helps with the laundry, pulls weeds from the fields and keeps two small dogs.

"These (activities) help me exercise and I also live my life fully," said Zhang.