As the Double Ninth Festival (Chongyang Festival) approaches, a reporter from the Feidong County Civil Affairs Bureau revealed that Feidong County, with 218 centenarians, has the highest number of long-lived elderly people in Hefei City. What is the secret to their longevity? A Da Wan News reporter conducted interviews to find out.

🌿 Natural Environment: “Good Mountains, Good Water, and Good People”

Feidong County is located in a north subtropical monsoon climate zone, with an average annual temperature of 15.5°C and annual rainfall of about 900 mm, providing a mild and pleasant climate.

What makes the area even more unique is that the water flowing through towns such as Shitang, Badu, Gucheng, Zhangji, and Xiangdao contains trace elements like zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, and selenium, which naturally support good health and vitality.

Among the county’s 20 towns and districts, centenarians are fairly evenly distributed. The top three areas are Shitang Town (22 people), Dianbu Town (21 people), and Badu Town (20 people) — strong evidence that Feidong’s natural environment is truly “nurturing and life-giving.”

🥗 Lifestyle: Regular Routines and Light Diets

In Jianhua Community, Cuozhen Town, 102-year-old Grandma Nie remains healthy and energetic despite her white hair. “I’m still strong! I can buy groceries, cook, and clean by myself,” she said proudly.

A survey of the 218 centenarians revealed several common traits:

99% follow very regular daily routines.

Nearly half sleep more than 8 hours a day.

Over 90% do not smoke or drink alcohol.

Their diets mainly consist of grains, vegetables, and soy products, with a focus on light, simple meals.

“My mother has gone to bed early and eaten lightly all her life — that’s been her habit for a hundred years,” said the son of Mr. Li, another centenarian.

Even more touching, 216 of the 218 elderly people maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, and 201 live with their children or relatives. The warmth of family companionship plays a key role in their long and happy lives.

💰 Government Support: High-Age Allowances Bring Happiness

In Liangyuan Town, 104-year-old Grandma Bian Nenggui received a visit from the head of the local Civil Affairs Office, Mr. Li Yunsong, who warmly said, “Grandma Bian, you look even better than last year!” The old woman beamed with joy.

The Feidong County Government has placed great emphasis on elderly care. Since establishing a dynamic high-age subsidy system in 2021, each centenarian now receives 630 yuan per month. As of October this year, a total of 65.757 million yuan in allowances has been distributed.

The county has also built 121 senior dining halls, completed 1,867 home aging-friendly renovations, and launched the “Elderly and Child Care Supervisor” program, which has conducted 614,000 visits to support elderly residents in need.

🏠 Community Initiatives: “Curtain Action” Ensures Home Safety

At the home of centenarian Zhang Lanzhi, the elderly woman gave officials and volunteers a big thumbs-up:

“Government policies are so good now! Life just keeps getting better!”

Feidong’s Civil Affairs Department promotes innovative models such as “Neighbor Mutual Aid + Elderly Care” and “Grid + Elderly Care”, integrating resources from 242 communities across the county.

One heartwarming example is the “Curtain Action” launched in Jianhua Community, Cuozhen Town.

“When Grandma opens her curtains in the morning, it means everything is fine. If the curtains stay closed, we immediately check on her,” explained community worker Xiao Wang to Grandma Nie.

So far, Feidong County has organized 1,836 elderly service activities, served 582,000 seniors, and invested 35.22 million yuan in these programs.