{
  "id": 14091375,
  "title": "Chinese great-grandfather, 101, defies ageing with daily diet of Coke, Sprite, seafood",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/chinese-great-grandfather-101-defies-ageing-with-daily-diet-of-coke",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-13T02:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370629/chinese-great-grandfather-101-defies-ageing-daily-diet-coke-sprite-seafood"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 101-year-old great-grandfather in eastern China's Zhejiang province has gained viral attention for his unusual habit of consuming large quantities of Coca-Cola and Sprite. Lu Shizeng, who resides in the countryside, defies the common notion that such a diet is unhealthy, maintaining a robust and vibrant life despite his advanced age. Living in rural Zhejiang, Lu Shizeng frequently visits the town market to purchase seafood, including fish, shrimp, and crabs, as well as pork and vegetables. Once a tricycle rider, he now relies on a rickshaw to transport him due to a fall he sustained last year. His family, recognizing the financial strain, hired a nanny to assist him, though Lu's appetite remains insatiable, often consuming half a bowl of rice and an entire plate of crabs in a single meal. He particularly enjoys chilled Sprite mixed with a few drops of white wine, as well as sweet fruits such as watermelon, pears, and mandarins. Lu follows a disciplined daily routine, retiring for the night at 5 PM and waking up at 4 AM for a leisurely stretching session before his 6 AM awakening. He boasts of his excellent memory, rarely falling ill, and maintaining low blood pressure. He is content with the monthly old-age allowance provided by Zhejiang province, which is 800 yuan (approximately US$120) per month, compared to 100 yuan for those aged 90 to 99. Online observers have commented on Lu's longevity, attributing his good health to his positive mood, regular sleep schedule, and the minor role his dietary habits play.",
  "summary": "A Chinese centenarian leads a happy, healthy life despite a habit generally considered “unhealthy”, prompting curious reactions online. A 101-year-old great-grandfather in eastern China’s Zhejiang province recently went viral for his love of drinking large amounts of Coca-Cola and Sprite. While young people in China embrace healthy lifestyles – eating foods inspired by traditional Chinese…",
  "key_points": [
    "101-year-old Lu Shizeng consumes daily diet of Coke, Sprite, seafood",
    "Lives in rural Zhejiang province, uses rickshaw due to fall",
    "Monthly old-age allowance of 800 yuan (US$120)"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lu Shizeng's unconventional lifestyle challenges conventional wisdom regarding nutrition and longevity, suggesting that disciplined routines and a positive temperament may outweigh specific dietary choices in maintaining health.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}