A man celebrating his 111th birthday shared the keys to his long life, attributing it to his fondness for wine and sweets. Zhan Changcheng, a resident of Wanyao Village in southern Shanghai, China, was born on March 17, 1914. Despite living through numerous historical events, including World War I and the Chinese Civil War, he remains active, enjoying walks and card games with friends.
Zhan, who has nine children ranging from 59 to 82 years old, lives with four generations of his family. His sons, particularly his 72-year-old second son, Zhan Yingtong, and 69-year-old youngest son, Zhan Yingqin, take turns caring for him along with their partners.
Yingtong mentioned his father’s meticulous habits, emphasizing his strict dental hygiene routine and early morning rituals. Zhan’s preference for sweetened food, even insisting on sweetening his white rice, is well-known within the family, with his daughter-in-law mentioning his dissatisfaction with unsweetened cereal.
Despite his sweet tooth, Zhan maintains good health, as indicated by his blood sugar levels and regular check-ups. For over 50 years, he dedicated himself to bamboo weaving, becoming a respected figure in the field and passing on his skills to many apprentices.
Apart from sweets, wine is another indulgence for Zhan, who enjoys a glass daily. Although he used to smoke heavily, he quit a few years back under family pressure, yet he still carries a pack of cigarettes to offer others. According to Yingtong, Zhan leads a simple and content life, valuing basic necessities over luxury.
Wanyao Village is home to 22 individuals over 90 years old, with two surpassing the age of 100. Zhan is recognized as the second oldest person in China, trailing behind Zhou Renqing, who will reach the age of 112 on November 7.
