Lei Jieqiong: The Longevity Code Behind Her 106 Years

Lei Jieqiong: The Longevity Code Behind Her 106 YearsLei Jieqiong's name shines brightly on China's list of longevity celebrities. Passing away at the age of 106, she left behind an admirable secret to a long life

Lei Jieqiong: The Longevity Code Behind Her 106 Years

Lei Jieqiong's name shines brightly on China's list of longevity celebrities. Passing away at the age of 106, she left behind an admirable secret to a long life. Her life was simple and orderly, guided by a set of health principles she adhered to for nearly a century. Lei Jieqiong's secret doesn't lie in expensive herbs or high-tech health equipment; her longevity journey might hold wisdom we haven't yet discovered.

Early Studies Abroad and Her Return to China

At the age of 19, Lei Jieqiong, with a simple bag, embarked on a voyage to Europe. During her years of overseas study, Lei Jieqiong faced a new cultural environment and academic atmosphere. Her courses encompassed philosophy, history, and modern political theory, deepening her knowledge base. Beyond academics, she actively participated in the school's debating society and literary club, honing her language skills, logical thinking, and public speaking abilities.

While studying abroad, Lei Jieqiong frequently exchanged ideas with classmates from diverse nations, discussing their respective histories and cultures. This fostered her unique perspectives on education and national development. She particularly emphasized the importance of female education, a belief that played a central role in her subsequent career.

At 26, after careful consideration, Lei Jieqiong decided to end her studies abroad and return to her homeland, accepting an invitation from Yenching University. Boarding the ship back to China, her heart brimmed with anticipation and dreams for the future. Upon her return, Lei Jieqiong immediately immersed herself in teaching at Yenching University. Her courses covered various areas she had studied abroad, particularly female history and cultural research. She sought to ignite self-awareness and independence in female students.

Lei Jieqiong prioritized interaction and practicality in her teaching. She often organized group discussions among students, encouraging them to share their viewpoints and critically analyze real-world issues. Her classroom atmosphere was lively, brimming with exploration and discovery. Students were captivated by her passion, developing a thirst for knowledge. Outside of teaching, Lei Jieqiong actively participated in social movements, particularly those concerning women's social status and rights.

The Women's Movement During the Anti-Japanese War

In the spring of 1938, Lei Jieqiong arrived in Nanchang, Jiangxi, a city already saturated with the tension of war. She quickly connected with local anti-Japanese groups and scholars. Through in-depth exchanges, Lei Jieqiong participated in numerous discussions on mobilizing and utilizing all available resources to combat the invaders.

Through interactions with local women, Lei Jieqiong observed that despite their hardship, many women exhibited remarkable resilience and survival wisdom. She believed that if these women were empowered with appropriate knowledge and skills, they could not only help themselves and their families but also contribute to the war effort.

Lei Jieqiong started organizing small gatherings, explaining the current national situation to women and encouraging them to participate in broader social activities. Not content with just working in Nanchang, she began traveling across Jiangxi, from remote villages to towns, wearing simple straw hats and straw sandals, engaging in person with local women.

These interactions revealed that while many women had passionate hearts, they felt powerless due to a lack of knowledge and opportunities. She began teaching them basic reading and writing skills, while explaining the importance of the anti-Japanese war and national needs. To expand her impact, Lei Jieqiong collaborated with other anti-Japanese groups to organize large-scale gatherings for women. She delivered impassioned speeches, urging women to stand up and contribute to the defense of their homeland. She shared stories of women in other countries participating in national affairs, igniting the audience's enthusiasm. Her words were concise, powerful, and easy to understand, quickly spreading among local women.

Lei Jieqiong's efforts gradually bore fruit. Increasing numbers of women joined various aspects of the war effort. Some joined medical teams, others participated in manufacturing military supplies, and still others directly joined anti-Japanese militia organizations. Women's involvement not only elevated their social status but also significantly strengthened the local war effort. Under Lei Jieqiong's leadership, the women's movement in Jiangxi became an undeniable force. Her name and actions became an inspiration for countless women.

A Political Career After the Founding of New China

With the founding of New China in 1949, Lei Jieqiong's career entered a new phase. She held several influential positions, including Vice Secretary General of the New Political Society, Professor at Beijing University of Political Science and Law, and Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League. In these roles, Lei Jieqiong dedicated herself to contributing to the political and legal education of New China.

As Vice Secretary General of the New Political Society, Lei Jieqiong participated in numerous critical policy formations and academic discussions. She regularly organized and chaired seminars, inviting experts and scholars from various fields to collectively explore significant issues in national development. These activities not only pushed policy formation but also facilitated communication and collaboration between academia and policymaking.

As a professor at Beijing University of Political Science and Law, Lei Jieqiong brought her overseas education and work experience to the classroom. Her courses were wide-ranging, including constitutional law, international law, etc. Her classes were always filled with challenging thought and open discussions. Lei Jieqiong encouraged students to think critically and actively participate in the construction of the national legal system. Her rigorous demands and insightful observations earned her widespread respect among her students.

As Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, Lei Jieqiong was particularly concerned with social justice and the advancement of civil rights. She actively participated in numerous activities of the China Democratic League, striving to promote policy reforms, especially focusing on the development of women and education. Through her efforts, Lei Jieqiong helped to improve the social status and living standards of many marginalized groups.

At the age of 80, Lei Jieqiong initiated and successfully advocated for September 10th to be designated as "Teachers' Day." This proposal stemmed from her deep concern for the education industry and her emphasis on the dignity of the teaching profession. She delivered speeches on various occasions, explaining the crucial role teachers play in the nation's future and calling for society to accord teachers greater respect and support. Lei Jieqiong's proposal garnered widespread support and recognition, ultimately passing through the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, officially establishing September 10th as National Teachers' Day to honor teachers' contributions to society.

Dedication to Education in Her Later Years

In 1995, at the age of 90, Lei Jieqiong visited the Outer Eight Temples of Chengde, Hebei, particularly the Chengzhi Temple on Putuoshan Island. Despite the cool weather, the sun was shining brightly. While the mountain path was rugged, those accompanying her, considering her age, arranged a rattan chair so she could sit while ascending. However, Lei Jieqiong politely declined, deciding to conquer the 254 steps with her own two feet. Her actions surprised those accompanying her and demonstrated her undiminished energy and strong will.

Lei Jieqiong's remarkable physical fitness and health stemmed from three "no" principles she consistently practiced over the years.

First, her "no smoking." During her youth while working in rural areas, Lei Jieqiong developed a smoking habit due to work stress and her living environment. At that time, her daily cigarette consumption reached an entire pack. However, with her growing awareness of health, especially after enduring the hardships of the Anti-Japanese War and the construction of New China, she resolutely decided to quit smoking. From that point onward, she never touched tobacco products again.

Longevity Secrets and Lifelong Learning

In her health philosophy, besides "no smoking," she also advocated "no drinking." Even during her years of studying and working abroad, Lei Jieqiong consistently maintained her commitment to a healthy diet. While drinking culture was deeply ingrained in the West, making alcohol nearly indispensable in social situations, she had developed a habit of non-drinking due to an early allergy to alcohol. This habit continued throughout her later life. Even upon her return to China, facing numerous banquets and social events, she adhered to the principle of "not touching alcohol."

Lei Jieqiong's dietary habits in daily life also reflected her simplicity and self-discipline. Her diet was primarily light, with breakfasts typically consisting of whole grains like oats or black bread, foods rich in fiber and beneficial for maintaining health and vitality. At noon, she generally ate a simple bowl of noodles, sometimes accompanied by vegetables, ensuring nutrition while avoiding greasy foods. Dinner was primarily rice, occasionally paired with bean products or steamed dishes. She deeply valued dietary balance and nutrition, firmly believing that "food is paramount for well-being."

Lei Jieqiong's perspective on exercise was equally unique. Though she stated no exercise," she actually advocated a more natural and scientific approach to physical activity. As a young woman, Lei Jieqiong was a member of the school's track and field team. She trained her body through running, long jump, and other activities, transforming from a frail girl into a physically strong woman. This physical transformation enabled her to endure the pressures of work and social activities throughout her later years.

While no longer engaging in high-intensity training in her later years, Lei Jieqiong maintained a daily walking habit. Whether in her courtyard,

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