A woman, who claims to be the oldest person alive and says she's just celebrated her 124th birthday, claims the secret to a long life is eating lard. Qiu Chai says she was born on 1 January 1901 and is believed to be the oldest person in her city – and possibly, the world. As of New Year's Day 2025, Tomiko Itooka, from Japan, holds the official Guinness World Record for the title - and she is 116 years old.
Qui celebrated the monumental birthday in her century-old house, surrounded by friends and family. As red lanterns and red carpet adorned the space, she revealed her secrets to a long, healthy life. The grandma stated that eating three meals a day, taking walks in her garden or her local area and going to bed after 8pm every night is a must. But she says more importantly, eating a simple meal of rice mixed with a piece of lard “the size of a table tennis ball”, is the key.
Despite doctors ordering her to eat less animal fat after suffering from eye and ear diseases, she says she isn’t stopping anytime soon. She dressed for her big day in a red fluffy hat and matching scarf, as well as a pattered gown. The younger generations, including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, bowed and paid their respects, while a huge cupcake tower was delivered.
Qiu, from Huagang Town, Nanchong City, China, still combs her hair, feeds the geese and burns firewood, with no issue. As a youngster, she used to eat a big bowl of noodles with oil every night, too. For now, though, she sticks to her meal of lard rice, mixed with grains and fresh vegetables.
