Wisdom of the aged

MO MEIXIAN, 103

Being gentle and generous to others, as well as having a bright and cheerful disposition, are the keys to a long and happy life, said Mo Meixian of Shangsi village in Liantang town.

Because of Alzheimer's disease, Mo finds it difficult to remember recent things-such as a great-grandson's name-but she still shows kindness and hospitality to visitors. And she clearly remembers events from long ago.

Mo married at age 18 and spent her whole life farming and raising her five daughters and three sons.

In an age of material deprivation, villagers often argued about trivial things, she recalled.

"There were lots of disputes over land boundaries because farmers were extremely careful about it. I never quarreled with others because this costs you all your energy and you still have no solution," Mo said.

Being patient is the secret to long life, she said, adding that staying calm also makes one popular in the neighborhood.

With a balanced diet of meat and fruits, she maintains a good complexion and extraordinary eyesight-still sharp enough to pass a thread through the eye of a needle.

Her voice is soothing and peaceful: "The way to happiness and long life is to do nothing negative. Have a merry heart and be tolerant of others. I have enjoyed my life and ask for no more."

Click here to watch a related short video