112-Year-Old Woman Drinks Coffee Every Day

On China’s annual Senior Citizens’ Day, stories about long-lived elders often circulate — including one about an extraordinary 112-year-old woman in Zhongshan who has kept a simple but consistent ritual for most of her life. What could a daily coffee habit possibly have to do with living over a century? More than you might think.

112-year-old Hu Hui Ming from Shaxi Town, Zhongshan, has drunk coffee nearly every day for decades — a habit that may contribute to her status as the city’s oldest living person.

Zhongshan’s Record-Holding Centenarian

As of September, Zhongshan had 94 registered centenarians — the highest count in recent years — including 16 men and 78 women. The oldest is Hu Hui Ming, aged 112, from Yongtou Village in Shaxi Town. She has held the title of the city’s oldest for several consecutive years.

The district with the most centenarians is Shiqi with 13, followed by Xiaolan (10), Shaxi (9), and Gushu (8). Some areas, like Fusha, Nanqu, Banfu, and Wuguishan, currently have none. Most female centenarians live in Gushu (8), Torch Zone (7), and Gangkou (7).

Hu Hui Ming’s Daily Routine

Born on March 10, 1903, Hu Hui Ming has lived almost her entire life in Yongtou Village. She raised four children and maintained a quiet, family-focused life. Though her diet is simple — soft, balanced meals with both meat and vegetables — her one constant is coffee.

Every day, Hu prepares her own coffee using her personal tools and ingredients. She prefers adding coffee mate and powdered milk to her brew, believing it improves the flavor. This habit began years ago when her eldest son, then working in Hong Kong, brought her coffee from abroad. Since then, she’s made it part of her daily life.

Health, Community, and Coffee

Hu remains in good health despite recent medical treatment. According to Zhang, secretary of Yongtou Village, she recently received IV treatment for low blood levels but has since resumed her normal routine. Though she missed this year’s village elderly banquet (held October 18), she continues to enjoy sitting in her yard, watching her great-grandchildren play — one of her greatest joys.

Her family’s presence and her coffee ritual appear central to her wellbeing. Asked about her secret to longevity, there’s no magic formula — just consistency, family, and that daily cup.

Zhongshan’s Respect for Elders

In honor of its elders, Zhongshan’s Civil Affairs Bureau provides festival subsidies: 600 RMB each to 87 centenarians (excluding 7 in the Torch Zone funded locally) for Mid-Autumn, National Day, and Senior Citizens’ Day. Urban “Three-no” elders receive 200 RMB, while 226 disadvantaged seniors get 300 RMB each. Many villages and towns also distribute additional gifts, including cash, banquets, plaques, or medals.

This year’s “Respect-for-the-Aged Month,” themed “Nurturing a Culture of Respect and Harmonious Families,” runs through October. Planned activities include legal aid for seniors, and a city tour program — “Happy Elderly Tour of Zhongshan” — sponsored by tourism and business partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Hu Hui Ming?

Hu Hui Ming is 112 years old, born on March 10, 1903. She has been Zhongshan’s oldest resident for several years running.

Where does Hu Hui Ming live?

She lives in Yongtou Village, Shaxi Town, in Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, where she has resided for most of her life.

What does Hu Hui Ming drink every day?

Hu Hui Ming drinks coffee every day. She prepares it with added coffee mate and powdered milk, believing this combination enhances the taste.

When did Hu Hui Ming start drinking coffee?

She developed the coffee habit after her eldest son brought her coffee from Hong Kong, where he worked. This started several decades ago.

Does Hu Hui Ming still attend community events?

She usually attends the village’s annual elderly banquet, but missed the 2023 event due to a recent hospital visit. Otherwise, she maintains an active and peaceful daily life.

How many centenarians are there in Zhongshan?

As of September, Zhongshan has 94 centenarians — 16 men and 78 women — the highest number in recent years.

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