At 103 years old, Dao Van De is the oldest resident of Tan Quang Commune, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province. Known for his sharp memory and robust health, he astonished doctors by needing hospital care for the first time at 100 years old.

First hospital visit at age 100

Dao Van De’s large multigenerational family spans 60 members, including 9 children, 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. His eldest son is 82 years old, and his oldest grandson is 62.

De’s first hospital visit occurred at the age of 100, when he was treated for a sore throat at a local hospital. Medical staff were surprised by his vitality, especially after learning that his eldest child was nearly 80 years old at the time.

Health checks revealed that De had no hypertension or diabetes and maintained excellent metabolic function.

At 103, De experienced his second hospital visit after a stroke. On January 2, his family rushed him to Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi, where he became the oldest stroke patient in the hospital’s 114-year history. Remarkably, De recovered within 24 hours, defying expectations.

Five secrets to longevity and health

De’s eldest son, Dao Van Nhan, credits his father’s lifestyle for his extraordinary health.

Simple diet: De prefers simple meals, often consisting of peanut or sesame salt and 2–3 pieces of lean pork. He quit smoking and drinking alcohol after retiring in 1981. His family grows their vegetables to ensure clean, fresh ingredients.

Mental exercise: De has maintained the habit of reading newspapers daily since retirement. He highlights interesting articles to share with his children and writes poems, keeping his mind sharp. De also gathers health tips from his readings to care for himself and guide his family.

Regular physical activity: De performs light exercises for 30–40 minutes each morning, without missing a day.

Sufficient sleep: De sleeps from 9pm to 5am, falling asleep within 10 minutes and rarely staying up late.

Positive attitude: True to his name, which means “easygoing,” De is gentle and harmonious, never raising his voice at family members. Nhan believes his father’s positive and stress-free demeanor contributes to his good health.

To encourage their father to stay optimistic, De’s children dye their white hair black, helping him perceive them as young and worry-free.

Stroke survival and family unity

On January 2, after watching a football match between Vietnam and Thailand, De suddenly collapsed. Recognizing the signs of a stroke from media information, his family quickly called an ambulance.

Arriving at Bach Mai Hospital at 11:30 PM, De was found semi-conscious, unable to speak, and paralyzed on his right side. Thanks to timely intervention, he made a full recovery.

De’s family follows his example by living a disciplined and healthy lifestyle. Nhan emphasizes that daily exercise aids digestion, boosts immunity, and strengthens the body naturally.

Phuong Thuy