At 100, Vuong Nghien of Da Nang continues to cycle, exercise and prepare his own meals every day. He credits regular physical activity, moderate eating and a cheerful outlook for his remarkable health and independence.
At an age when many people require assistance with daily activities, 100-year-old Vuong Nghien, a resident of Qua Giang 1 residential group in Hoa Xuan Ward, Da Nang, continues to lead an independent and active life.
Despite reaching the century mark, Nghien remains physically healthy, mentally alert and remarkably articulate. He moves around comfortably, takes care of himself and maintains the simple routines that have shaped his life for decades.
His family has a history of contributions to Vietnam's revolutionary struggle and maintains a memorial altar for two relatives who died in wartime. Nghien himself participated in revolutionary activities and was once arrested and imprisoned by enemy forces.
Today, he believes that staying physically active, eating moderately and maintaining familiar daily habits are essential to his well-being.
A daily bicycle ride at the age of 100
Nghien maintains his daily cycling routine to stay physically active.
Nghien usually wakes up at 5 a.m. to begin his morning exercise routine.
After performing a few gentle movements, he takes out his familiar bicycle and rides leisurely through the neighborhood.
He often stops for breakfast before cycling around the residential area, looking for friends and neighbors to chat with.
For Nghien, the bicycle is more than a means of transportation. It has become a longtime companion that helps him stay active, maintain social connections and find enjoyment in everyday life.
"I cycle around the neighborhood and talk to whoever I meet. There aren't many people my age left, so most of my friends are in their 60s or 70s," he said with a smile.
His daily rides are not limited to breakfast outings.
Whenever he needs to go somewhere, Nghien often chooses to travel by bicycle.
Sometimes he cycles out to collect government benefits. On other occasions, he simply rides around the neighborhood for a change of scenery.
As a precaution, he usually carries a walking stick whenever he leaves home.
After returning from his morning activities, Nghien rests, watches television and prepares his own meals.
Alongside his disciplined lifestyle, Nghien remains cheerful, friendly and sociable.
Although he has nine children, all of whom have stable lives, he prefers to remain as independent as possible.
Rather than relying entirely on his children and grandchildren, he continues doing whatever daily tasks he can manage himself.
Simple meals and moderate portions
According to his daughter-in-law, 61-year-old Dinh Thi Hoa, Nghien's daily routine is straightforward, particularly when it comes to food.
He does not enjoy eating vegetables and avoids beef, preferring pork, especially pork belly.
Despite his fondness for fatty pork, he eats relatively small portions.
At each main meal, he usually consumes only about one bowl of rice.
For breakfast, he often chooses soft bread or rice vermicelli noodles and drinks milk.
Despite his advanced age, Nghien prefers to handle everyday tasks himself rather than depend entirely on his children and grandchildren.
When asked about the secret to remaining healthy at 100, Nghien does not point to any special diet or complicated wellness routine.
Instead, he emphasizes the importance of regular movement and eating in moderation.
"Every morning, I exercise, then ride my bicycle and eat moderately. I just keep doing the same things day after day, and that keeps me healthy," he said.
His approach reflects the lifestyle he has followed for many years, combining gentle physical activity with familiar habits and an uncomplicated daily schedule.
Staying cheerful and independent
Beyond his physical activity and eating habits, Nghien maintains a positive and sociable outlook.
He is often seen smiling, speaking in a strong, clear voice and adding touches of humor to his conversations.
His cheerful manner makes interactions enjoyable for neighbors and visitors alike.
Even at 100, he remains determined to look after himself and avoid becoming completely dependent on his family.
His independence is evident in the ordinary tasks he continues to perform, from riding his bicycle to cooking meals and managing his daily routine.
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (front row, fourth from left) recently visited Nghien to congratulate him on his 100th birthday during activities marking the International Day of Older Persons. Photo: Office of the President.
Recently, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited Nghien to offer congratulations on his 100th birthday as part of activities marking the International Day of Older Persons.
Recalling the visit, Nghien said he was delighted and considered the occasion a particularly meaningful gift at this stage of his life.
Da Nang has 500 residents aged 100 or older
According to Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee, the city currently has 500 residents aged 100 or older.
Hoa Xuan Ward alone is home to 23 centenarians.
In recent years, Da Nang has organized various activities to recognize and support elderly residents.
These include home visits, birthday celebrations and longevity ceremonies, as well as initiatives aimed at improving older people's material and emotional well-being.
The city has also implemented policies supporting senior citizens in accordance with Vietnamese law and central government guidelines.
For Nghien, however, the pleasures of daily life remain simple: waking up early, exercising, riding his bicycle, meeting neighbors and preparing his own meals.
At 100, he continues to enjoy the independence and familiar routines that have accompanied him through the years.
Vietnamnet.vn
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