A woman who has lived to 101 has revealed her surprisingly laid-back secrets behind her long life.
Jiang Yueqin, a mother-of-seven from Wenzhou City in eastern China, still has a full set of teeth and says she enjoys nothing more than snacking on treats while watching 'trashy' television into the early hours.
Despite her age, Jiang sticks to a relaxed daily routine. She eats just two square meals a day, but isn't shy about indulging in late-night snacks if she feels hungry. She often stays up until as late as 2am and usually doesn't wake until around 10am. Once up, she enjoys a cup of fragrant green tea before getting dressed and starting her day.
Living south of Shanghai, Jiang typically eats her first meal at brunch, followed by dinner at around 6pm, proving that longevity doesn't always require a strict lifestyle or rigid routine.
Her daughter Yao Songping said: 'My mum is just like a teenager, a total night owl! She always stays up until the early hours of the morning and then wakes up naturally at around 10am.'
While Jiang Yueqin’s routine may sound unconventional, researchers have long stressed that there is no single formula for living past 100. Instead, longevity appears to be shaped by a combination of genetics, environment, stress levels and social connection, rather than rigid habits alone.
One of the strongest predictors of extreme longevity is genetics. Studies of centenarians consistently show that people who live beyond 100 often carry genetic traits that protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and inflammation. This may explain why some individuals, like Jiang, can tolerate irregular sleep patterns or late-night snacking without obvious health consequences.
That said, science does point to several common lifestyle themes among long-lived populations. Research on so-called “Blue Zones” — regions such as Okinawa in Japan and Sardinia in Italy — shows that centenarians often eat moderate portions, remain physically active into old age, and maintain low stress levels. Importantly, their routines tend to be flexible rather than punishing, with rest taken when needed and meals eaten intuitively rather than by the clock.
Sleep is another area where Jiang’s habits appear to defy convention. While most public health guidance recommends earlier bedtimes, sleep researchers increasingly emphasise sleep consistency and adequacy, rather than fixed hours. Studies suggest that for older adults, sleeping later and waking later can be biologically normal, particularly if total sleep time remains sufficient.
Diet also plays a nuanced role. While overeating is associated with shorter lifespans, strict calorie restriction is not universally beneficial. Nutrition experts note that undereating in older age can be as harmful as overindulging, increasing frailty and weakening immune function. Jiang’s pattern of two meals a day with occasional snacks may simply reflect her body’s needs rather than a longevity strategy.
At the other extreme of the longevity conversation is Bryan Johnson, the US tech millionaire who has made headlines for spending millions on an aggressive anti-ageing regimen. Johnson reportedly takes over 100 supplements daily, follows a tightly controlled vegan diet, tracks his organs with medical imaging and undergoes regular blood plasma testing — all in an attempt to slow or reverse biological ageing.
While Johnson’s approach is rooted in cutting-edge science, many experts remain sceptical. Researchers caution that there is limited long-term evidence that extreme supplementation or constant medical intervention can meaningfully extend human lifespan. Some warn that excessive supplements may even place strain on the liver and kidneys over time.
Taken together, science suggests that longevity is less about optimisation and more about balance. While biohacking promises control over ageing, cases like Jiang’s reinforce a more grounded conclusion: living longer may depend less on perfection, and more on low stress, moderation, social support and a bit of genetic luck.
