'Old baby': 102-year-old woman has not visited hospital in 50 years, drinks alcohol and eats meat

The centenarian remains mentally alert and in generally good physical condition.

A 102-year-old woman from eastern China has attracted widespread attention on social media after details of her daily routine, diet and outlook on life were shared online.

Jin Baoling, who lives in a rural area of Taizhou, is frequently visited by close family members including her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, according to a report in South China Morning Post. 

Residents in her village have long regarded her as a cheerful and resilient figure. Because of her lively personality despite her age, locals affectionately refer to her as “Old Baby.”

According to a report by Taizhou Evening News, the centenarian remains mentally alert and in generally good physical condition. The report noted that she has not needed to visit a hospital in the past five decades.

Daily routine centred on rest and sunshine

Jin follows a relatively relaxed daily schedule. She usually wakes at around 9am, washes and then spends time sitting in the sunshine in her garden.

Her day ends early. By about 7pm she has gone to bed, though she takes several naps during the day. Her son, Hu Huamei, said the long sleeping hours have become a defining feature of her routine.

“She can sleep up to 15 hours a day,” Hu said.

Diet includes meat daily and very few vegetables

Food also plays an important role in Jin’s daily life, and she maintains a regular eating schedule.

Breakfast usually consists of dumplings, steamed buns or wontons. Lunch and dinner are typically noodles or rice served in large bowls.

A key feature of her meals is meat. Pig trotters are her favourite dish and she eats them every day, usually consuming about half a pound or roughly two to three pieces per meal.

Pig trotters are widely regarded as a delicacy in China. Rich in collagen, they are often associated with skin health and are sometimes used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Outside her main meals, Jin also enjoys snacks such as cakes and bread, along with tea prepared using brown sugar and red dates. Her daily intake also includes three oranges and two eggs.

Despite the variety in her meals, she is known to be selective about what she eats and rarely consumes vegetables.

Rice wine with every meal

Another consistent part of her routine is alcohol. Jin drinks alcohol during every meal. Her home contains jars of rice wine that have been infused with ingredients including red dates, longan, lychee and yumberries, prepared specifically for her consumption.

Physically slower but still active

Although Jin requires assistance when walking because her leg joints are no longer very flexible, her eyesight remains clear and her hands remain steady.

Family members say she often spends time carrying out small tasks such as mending socks and repairing the soles of shoes.

Family says positive mindset has helped her longevity

Her son believes her long life is closely linked to her personality and attitude. “She has never argued with anyone and she forgets about troubles as soon as they arise,” Hu said.

He added that his mother, who spent most of her life as a rural homemaker, has always placed great importance on harmony within the family.

According to him, her greatest wish is simple: that her relatives continue to live peacefully together and maintain happiness within the household.

After details of Jin’s life were shared online, many users on mainland Chinese social media platforms reacted with admiration and curiosity about her habits.

One commenter wrote: “The best longevity medicine is living in a way that makes you feel most comfortable, with a heart that does not dwell on things or overthink.”

Another user focused on her long sleeping hours, writing: “Grandma Jin’s incredibly long sleep time and high-quality rest surpass almost all young people.”

A third netizen compared her habits to those of an elderly relative, commenting: “I am so happy to see a centenarian living life on her own terms with unconventional health habits. My grandfather is 94 years old, loves drinking, staying up late and often sings and plays chess.”