At over 100 years old, this remarkable woman remains mentally alert and has healthy, glowing skin thanks to a lifelong habit of following three simple principles.

At an age many people consider an extraordinary milestone, Ms. Ding Guiquan of Ningbo continues to surprise those around her with her energy and vitality. For her, reaching 106 years old seems to be just another milestone in a life devoted to healthy and positive living.

In an interview with Ningbo Evening News in late April 2026, she impressed reporters with her strong voice, cheerful spirit, and fresh complexion—qualities rarely seen at such an advanced age. She even personally handed out candies to everyone and warmly said, “Anyone who eats this candy will live a long and healthy life,” creating a joyful and intimate atmosphere.

According to her daughter, all of Ms. Ding’s health indicators were within normal ranges during her latest comprehensive medical checkup. Notably, she does not suffer from the “three highs”—Hypertension, high blood lipids, and high blood sugar—conditions commonly seen in older adults.

When asked about her longevity and rosy complexion, Ms. Ding shared the following “3 Don’ts.”

1. Don’t Eat Leftovers Kept Overnight

Ms. Ding follows a light and balanced diet, occasionally adding small amounts of protein-rich foods, and avoids eating cooked food that has been left overnight.

Many people store leftovers in the refrigerator to eat later. However, nutrition experts note that cooked food should be stored properly and consumed within an appropriate time frame. If kept too long or stored incorrectly, food may be more susceptible to microbial growth and may lose some nutritional quality.

Experts generally recommend preparing appropriate portions, eating food soon after cooking, and storing leftovers safely only when necessary.

2. Don’t Overuse Cosmetics

Ms. Ding does not follow a complicated skincare routine or use expensive beauty products. According to her family, she rarely uses cosmetics and simply washes her face each morning and evening. Even so, her skin remains clean, bright, and relatively free of pigmentation spots.

This minimalist approach may help preserve the skin’s natural barrier and avoid unnecessary exposure to chemicals. That said, skin health also depends on genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, so results vary from person to person.

3. Don’t Stay Up Late

For decades, Ms. Ding has maintained a habit of going to bed early. When she was younger, she rarely stayed awake past 11 p.m.; in later years, she usually went to bed around 8 p.m.

She believes that living in harmony with nature—being active during the day and resting after dark—is the foundation of good health.

Research suggests that both sleep quality and consistency are important. The period between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. is often considered a key time for physical recovery. Going to bed too late may disrupt the body’s natural rhythm over time.

Common Habits Among Long-Lived People

Ms. Ding’s case is not unique. A 2025 survey conducted in Hangzhou involving more than 400 centenarians found several shared lifestyle habits.

Most participants followed a simple diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and soy products, while limiting fried foods, heavily salted foods, and red meat.

Other beneficial habits included not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and engaging in gentle daily exercise. Most importantly, researchers noted that an optimistic mindset and satisfaction with life appeared to play a significant role in maintaining health at an advanced age.