Ling Zhengxing and his wife Wu Xuewen pose for a group photo. [scol.com.cn]

An elderly man who recently celebrated his 100th birthday together with his 96-year-old wife, and 50 other family members, has drawn widespread tributes from the public.

Ling Zhengxing, a citizen in Chengdu, capital southwest China's Sichuan Province, had started preparations for the banquet half a month before, calling on all of his family members to gather to take a group photo.

At noon, the elderly man counted the family members one by one and finally said, "All are here, and it is time to take the photo."

The elderly man and his wife Wu Xuewen, both optimistic and diligent, still keep a perfect state of health. Their deep affection has also made a widespread influence among the neighborhood.

"The whole family is kind to me," said the elderly man gladly, adding that his main purpose of celebrating his birthday was to make the special family memento.

Although the couple can take care of themselves, their children take turns to accompany them in case of accidents or small injuries. "It is our responsibility to be with them to enjoy their life," said the elderly man's son Ling Zhongcheng.

"Don't be so complicated," said the elderly man, who has been used to leading a thrifty existence. "It is quite okay for the whole family to have a simple dinner together."

"Just let them do these things for you. They are willing to get busy for this," said his wife. The couple has been married 75 years, with their oldest daughter being 66 years old, whilst their great-great-grandson is 2.

"I'm grateful for you, as over the past decades, you have been always with me whether we led a hard or well-off life," the elderly man said affectionately to his wife. "I have promised to accompany you until old age, and today is also a chance of witnessing my promise."

"I've been their neighbor of a couple for decades, and have never seen them quarrel," said a woman named Zhang. "Instead, they are always hand-in-hand when they go out."

"Now we take our grandparents as our models," said Ling Zhibin. "Although their love is not like that of youngsters, their persistence is the best witness."

Speaking of his parents' life habits, 64-year-old Ling Zhongcheng said, "They have a good appetite and a regular schedule. After getting up every morning, they go out and do exercise instead of staying indoors."

The old couple said they can eat all foods and vegetables and fruits are their favorites.

Asked about the secret of their longevity, their family members said it is because they keep an optimistic mind. "In my memory, there are always smiles on their face," said the elderly couple's granddaughter.

"You see, my daughter, son and grandchildren are so respectful to me and never make me angry. In addition, my wife is always together with me. It is sure to keep me having a good mind," said the elderly man, adding that his family members always spare time to chat with him, although they are busy with their work.

The family of over 50 members poses for a group photo. [scol.com.cn]

The family poses for a group photo. [scol.com.cn]

(Source: scol.com.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China)

Editor: Arnold Hou(woman of China)