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96-year-old in Hubei continues to go horse riding

By Le Qin (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2013-09-26

96-year-old in Hubei continues to go horse riding

Xiang Daxian, 96, lives in Enshi, Hubei province, and often goes horse riding.

96-year-old in Hubei continues to go horse riding

Xiang Daxian, 96, examines the teeth of his pony.

A 96-year-old man, Xiang Daxian, from Liuchi village in Shadi township, Enshi prefecture of Hubei province, still goes horse riding almost every day, and he sees this as part of his healthcare regimen, Chutian Metropolis Daily reported.

Xiang said that he is in good health, though his hearing has deteriorated slightly.

He does the housework every day, grows different kinds of vegetables and grains, raises bees and two pigs.

But his favorite pastime is horse riding.

Xiang started raising horses when he was in his twenties, when horses were used mainly for transporting goods and farming.

He also learnt to ride horses and, even though local transportation is now very convenient, he sees no reason why he should stop.

Xiang Zhuochang, director of the village, said that Xiang Daxian's four children are all nearly 70 years old, and they call their father every day.

Asked about the secrets to his longevity, Xiang Daxian suggested having a stable life, eating lightly, staying in a good mood and, for exercise, he advised work in the fields and horse riding.

Liuchi village is well-known for the advanced age of many of its residents, and the grain of the village is rich in selenium, which is considered to be the main reason for the phenomenon.

Liuchi has a population of 4,164, with 22 residents above the age of 90 and about 500 residents above the age of 70.

Edited by Niva Whyman