Suzhou Hengtang Old Age Home revealed today that one of its residents, 117-year-old Li Ada recently decided to apply for world record in longevity from Guinness. According to residency papers for the old woman, Li was born in 1889 and is the oldest human being alive.

She has spanned three centuries, features a pair of small feet, a crop of white hair and her hunched back leans on a wood stick. Despite her age, she looks spirited and her eyes are lively. She thinks clearly, speaks well and talks a lot. The clothes on her back are clean and well kept and she is taken care of by third daughter who is herself in her eighties and her only surviving relative.

It was learned that her regular daily life is quite disciplined and adheres to a healthy routine. She wakes up every morning at six and never oversleeps; after waking up she likes to sit and watch outside scenery through the window; she has porridge for breakfast and a small bowl of rice for lunch. After lunch she takes a noon nap and rest for a while; at night she sleeps early, usually in bed by six in the evening. The most important thing is her optimistic temperament; she regards everything with a positive attitude and never minds the small things. Her "longevity secret" is the roasted pork and bean products she eats in three meals a day.
 
(Chinanews.cn September 9, 2005)