Rugao, a historic city known for bonsai and its remarkable number of residents living past 100, is drawing international attention as a key example of ‘super-aging’ communities where people enjoy longer, healthier lives.
- Rugao has 672 residents over 100 years old among 1.3 million people.
- Active lifestyles, kindness, and nutrition are common among super-agers.
- Scientific studies link longevity here to psychosocial and environmental factors.
What happened
Rugao, a city located a few hundred miles northwest of Shanghai, is now recognized as a remarkable longevity hotspot. Hosting 672 centenarians as of early 2026, it has about five times the global average number of people living past 100 per million residents. This makes it a valuable case for ongoing aging research. Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and other research groups have gathered extensive data on Rugao’s population, lifestyle patterns, and environmental conditions to better understand the factors contributing to its residents’ long lives.
Research has found that the mineral-rich soil in Rugao, which supports the city’s local agriculture, may play a role in promoting health and longevity. Alongside these environmental factors, residents’ daily routines include early rising, physical activity, social engagement, and balanced diets, particularly regular vegetable consumption. Anecdotal accounts from centenarians emphasize daily exercise, walking, light chores, and maintaining a positive, active lifestyle as keys to their wellbeing.
Why it feels good
The health and vitality of Rugao’s oldest residents offer inspiring examples of how aging can be approached with optimism and intention. Studies show people who stay curious, emotionally resilient, and socially connected tend to age more successfully, exhibiting lower stress and greater cognitive engagement. This aligns well with what Rugao’s centenarians share about their lives—feeling great, staying active, and enjoying close relationships within the community.
Furthermore, the findings from the Rugao Longevity and Ageing Study highlight that a strong sense of subjective wellbeing goes hand-in-hand with longer life. Female super-agers in Rugao, for instance, showed better psychological health when maintaining a balanced body mass. This holistic picture suggests that longevity is not just about genes but also about lifestyle choices and emotional health, offering hope that individuals can influence their own aging journey for the better.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those curious about longevity and aging well, the ongoing studies in Rugao provide valuable insights. Watching documentaries or videos capturing residents’ candid stories adds a human dimension to the science—many describe mornings spent exercising before dawn, leisurely walks, market visits, and caring for pets, all underscoring an active, mindful approach to life.
On a broader scale, the lessons from Rugao encourage us to embrace daily habits like eating plenty of vegetables, staying physically and mentally engaged, and cultivating kindness and social bonds. These simple yet powerful habits are worth trying for anyone aiming to boost their health span. Following new research emerging from Rugao and other longevity hotspots worldwide promises to enrich our understanding and inspire practical choices for healthier, happier aging.