In China, Lu Shizeng, a centenarian from eastern Zhejiang province, has become a social media sensation for his unusual dietary habits. While many people carefully monitor their sugar and calorie intake, Lu stocks up on fatty foods and soft drinks and rounds off his meals with sweet fruit.
Lu lives in a rural area and heads to the local market about once every five days to buy fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, pork and vegetables. He used to make the trip on his own three-wheeled bicycle, but after a fall, his family stopped him from riding it. He now travels by rickshaw.
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Lu does not skimp on food. He says he spends most of his savings on it. His two sons have hired a caregiver to help with household tasks, and she says he has an excellent appetite. In one sitting, he can eat nearly half a bowl of rice and an entire plate of crabs.
Sprite, seafood and sweet fruit
Lu’s diet is not limited to seafood. He keeps a supply of soft drinks at home and is particularly fond of chilled Sprite, which he likes to mix with a few drops of baijiu, a traditional Chinese distilled spirit. His favorite fruits include watermelon, pears and mandarin oranges.
Despite his unconventional food preferences, Lu follows a consistent daily routine. He finishes dinner around 5 p.m. and goes to bed at about 8 p.m. He typically wakes up around 4 a.m. but spends another two hours stretching and relaxing in bed before getting up at 6 a.m. He also takes a nap every afternoon.
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Lu says he takes pride in his health. Although some older people suffer strokes after a fall, he said he had recovered without such complications. He also reported retaining vivid memories of his younger days, rarely catching colds and having relatively low blood pressure.
Social media users debate the secret to longevity
Lu’s story has sparked discussion on social media. Some users have suggested that his longevity may be linked to his positive outlook and regular sleep schedule. Others have pointed out that genetics may play a role and that lifestyle is only one of many factors influencing how long people live.
One person’s experience, however, does not prove that sugary drinks or fatty foods promote longevity. Lifespan is influenced by a range of factors, including genetics, environment and lifestyle, and there is no universal formula for living to 100.
For Lu, the approach seems straightforward: plenty of crab, a cold Sprite mixed with a little liquor, and no strict dietary restrictions.