🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Deng Xiaoping lived to 93 years old (1904–1997), enjoying a remarkably long life through his serene and open-minded attitude. On August 22 this year, we commemorate the 100th anniversary of Comrade Deng’s birth. Reflecting on this great man, we not only appreciate his unique personal charisma but also draw profound inspiration from his health preservation principles.
Comrade Deng lived to 93, a rare age among global leaders. At 75, he climbed Mount Huang with ease; in his eighties, he swam in the sea for over an hour.
In July 1991, when asked about his health secrets, Comrade Deng said: “My thinking remains sharp, mainly due to regular exercise such as walking, tai chi, and swimming; maintaining a calm, optimistic mindset toward problems and matters; living a regular life with proper regulation; reading books and newspapers, playing bridge, watching football, and playing with children.” His longevity formula boils down to “optimism, mental activity, consistent exercise, balanced diet, and family harmony”—20 characters in total.
Optimism and Open-Mindedness — “Even if the sky falls, I won’t fear, because taller people will hold it up.”
“I’ve always been optimistic. Even if the sky collapses, I’m not afraid, because taller people will hold it up.” When German Chancellor Kohl asked him about his longevity secret in October 1984, this was his reply. Known for enduring three rises and falls in Chinese politics and suffering multiple family tragedies, Deng remained optimistic in adversity, never blaming fate.
Mental Activity — “I can play bridge, proving my mind is still sharp.”
When American TV journalist Wallace asked how long Deng worked each day, he replied: “Two hours.” “My work method is to minimize tasks.” “The rest of the time is spent reading, exercising, resting, and being with children.” Deng was highly efficient, usually finishing important documents by around 10 a.m. Afterwards, if no meetings or diplomatic events were scheduled, he would sit on the sofa reading newspapers or playing bridge to keep his mind active. He proudly said: “I use bridge to train my brain… I can play bridge, proving my mind is still sharp.”
Consistent Exercise — “I can swim, especially loving swimming in the ocean.”
Since youth, Deng developed a habit of regular fitness. Despite his busy schedule, he always found time for exercise. His hobbies included swimming, cold showers, mountain climbing, walking, and football.
“I can swim, especially loving swimming in the ocean.” In summer, Deng swam continuously for over an hour at the seaside, sometimes even continuing through waves, moving effortlessly like strolling in a courtyard. “I haven’t had a cold in ten years—partly because I take cold showers every morning,” he mentioned during a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Lange.
Deng often took walks in his yard. On rainy or snowy days, he walked back and forth in the corridor. He treated walking as seriously as work—never slacking or cutting corners.
Balanced Diet — Breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Deng maintained a very regular eating schedule: breakfast at 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.—unchanged for decades. He enjoyed eggs, steamed buns, congee, and pickled vegetables for breakfast; lunch and dinner typically consisted of two side dishes and one soup. Deng loved green tea—he put plenty of tea leaves in his cup, filling it up to two-thirds. He also liked rice wine, eating some dishes before drinking to avoid irritating the stomach lining. Deng had smoked for decades but quit completely in 1989 upon medical advice.
Family Harmony — Enjoying Family Bliss
Deng Xiaoping and his wife Zhuolin shared 58 stormy seasons together. Their love was deep, enduring, and mutually supportive through hardship. Deng valued family happiness and loved spending time with relatives. He deeply cherished his grandchildren, often laughing and chatting with them—whether in adversity or prosperity. The warmth of family was a crucial factor helping Deng face political challenges calmly and one of the keys to his longevity.
Traditional Chinese health preservation includes four major categories: mental, dietary, physical, and medicinal. Comrade Deng scientifically applied the first three in daily life.
Throughout his life, Deng endured numerous hardships yet faced them with equanimity. Traditional health theory holds that those with cheerful dispositions, open personalities, and optimistic outlooks maintain balanced yin-yang, smooth qi and blood flow, harmonious organ functions, and thus live long and healthy lives. Research in geriatrics confirms most centenarians live in happy, harmonious families. Moreover, Deng was mentally active—besides managing national affairs, he regularly read newspapers and played bridge for relaxation, which significantly delays brain aging and prevents cognitive decline.
Reasonable diet structure and lifestyle are vital for health and longevity. A varied diet with balanced grains, fruits, meats, and vegetables meets human nutritional needs. Deng’s simple diet, regular routine, green tea consumption, and moderate rice wine align with both traditional health wisdom and modern nutrition science.
Deng’s longevity also stems from his lifelong commitment to exercise. Moderate physical activity strengthens tendons and bones, promotes meridian circulation, enhances blood flow, and boosts immunity—contributing to health and longevity. Regular exercise in older adults slows organ aging, maintains positive mood, and helps prevent osteoporosis.