Booze is key to a long life, says 99 year old

Drinking, smoking and hard work is the secret to living a long life, according to four elderly residents of a Chinese village where most live into their 90s.

Mr Fangyin says that he is going to start looking for a new wife after he turns 100

Speaking to People’s Daily Online, four residents aged 99, 93, 95 and 104 from Shuping in China offered their advice for living a long life, and it wasn’t eating their greens and fitting in a daily jog, but drinking, smoking and hard work that came top of their list.

Yu Fangyin, 99, drinks more than 10kgs of rice wine every month with his daughter explaining that drinking and smoking is what keeps him happy.

“Apart from these he has no other interests”, she said. “He is very healthy, is rarely ill, and is a bit of a celebrity in the village.”

In fact Mr Fangyin is feeling so healthy that he still hopes to find a wife, joking that he will start looking “next year after my 100th birthday”.

Chen Zhenglan, 93, believes a good argument makes for a healthy life, and his wife Li Changgui, 89, agrees.

“Arguments are part of life”, she said, “This may be another way to express their love as well as the secret to their longevity.”

Hard work is also important with Li Shangui, 95, a living testament. She was director of the Women’s Association before she started making and mending shoes and still helps her family complete their chores in her spare time. While Wu Liangfu, a former soldier, still works as a tailor at the age of 104.

“It is through constant recalling of memories do they become ingrained and your mind will not become dumb,” he said. “I love seeing all my children and grandchildren having good jobs.”

Mr Liangfu’s son added: “Dad said to me once that a family that is harmonious will see the elders age with dignity, the young grow well, everyone’s mood will be good and longevity will come naturally.”

Villagers added that Ms Shangui and Mr Liangfu’s success has led them to believe in the mantra: “Those who love their work have long lives. It’s an honour to work.”

The average life expectancy in China is 76 years old.