Chinese centenarian food vlogger enjoys diverse cuisines, shares longevity secrets

A 100-year-old grandmother-turned food blogger in Shanghai has trended on social media thanks to her enthusiasm for eating a range of foods.\nThe centenarian’s culinary likes include strong flavoured foods normally shunned by elderly people.\nThe lifestyle of Zhong Wenyu, who turned 100 in September, is far different from that of many senior citizens who usually prefer a bland diet as a common way to preserve their health, the Xinmin Evening News reported.\nDespite her lack of teeth, Zhong relishes food, from traditional dishes to modern favourites like milk tea, cola, coffee and ice cream.\n\nShe also likes eating in restaurants and making orders on food delivery platforms, said her daughter, surnamed Zhang.\nAside from her blood sugar and blood pressure, Zhong’s other physical check-up indexes are normal, Zhang said.\nTo cater for her particular health needs, the family changed her drinks to sugar free.\n“She is at such an old age and there is no need to restrain her from eating. We just let her eat whatever she likes,” Zhang was quoted as saying, adding that her mother would not eat until she is full each time.\nThe grandmother shot to fame in May, in a video clip showing her eating crabs.\n\nThe video was released by her granddaughter, Xiaodan, who opened a social media account called “100-year-old Sister Zhong” at the beginning of this year to record Zhong’s daily life.\n“My grandma is full of personality and her life status is different from most old people. So I would like to record these interesting scenes. I did not expect that so many people would like watching her videos,” said Xiaodan.\nWhile some internet users hailed the granny as a “high-energy old person”, some accused the family of “consuming” her.\n“Some people criticised us for letting my grandma pose to eat various foods. This is an unfounded accusation,” Xiaodan said.\n“If I had not taken videos, my grandma would still love eating. This is her true life,” she added.\nAccording to Zhang, besides a good appetite, the centenarian’s secrets to a long life include a good mindset and keeping pace with fashion.\n\n“She likes playing mahjong and other games on the computer. She likes watching television dramas and news programmes. She often discusses current affairs with us,” said Zhang.\nThe sprightly 100-year-old gets along well with everyone in the family.\n“She never complains about other people’s shortcomings, but only talks about their strong points. She is optimistic and content with her life,” Zhang said.\nZhong was born and grew up in Chongqing, southwestern China. She endured immense hardship brought by war and poverty when she was young.\n“My mother has witnessed how China evolved into what it is today. She often tells us the current life is hundreds of times happier than before. So do not complain,” said Zhang.\n