102-Year-Old Yang Zhenning: Unlocking the Longevity Code of a Physics Master

102-Year-Old Yang Zhenning: Unlocking the Longevity Code of a Physics MasterLongevity has been a pursuit of many throughout history, and with the increasing awareness of health, the pursuit of longevity has become more intense. In this pursuit, Professor Yang Zhenning, now 102 years old, has drawn attention

102-Year-Old Yang Zhenning: Unlocking the Longevity Code of a Physics Master

Longevity has been a pursuit of many throughout history, and with the increasing awareness of health, the pursuit of longevity has become more intense. In this pursuit, Professor Yang Zhenning, now 102 years old, has drawn attention. A prominent figure in the field of physics, Professor Yang, who is well over a hundred years old, still enjoys robust health, leading people to inquire about his secrets to longevity. What exactly are Professor Yang's longevity secrets? He acknowledges the benefits of exercise and adequate water intake but emphasizes that these are not the most crucial aspects. The core lies in paying attention to these four aspects.

Physics Pioneer Yang Zhenning

Professor Yang Zhenning, a distinguished member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a Nobel Laureate in Physics, continues to be a frequent presence at various academic events even in his later years. His bright and energetic eyes, along with his agile movements, leave a lasting impression on viewers, especially considering he is now 102 years old.

Born in 1922 into a family of intellectuals, Professor Yang Zhenning displayed extraordinary intelligence from a young age. He could read over 3,000 Chinese characters by the age of four. At six, he began attending the Affiliated Elementary School of Xiamen University with his father. Subsequently, due to his father's transfer to Tsinghua University, the Yang family moved to Beiping. During that time, Yang Zhenning attended a primary school near Tsinghua Garden. However, the outbreak of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident in 1937 plunged Beiping into turmoil. The Yang family was forced to flee to Kunming. Despite the harsh environment, Yang Zhenning never gave up learning. He successfully enrolled in the Department of Physics at the National Southwestern Associated University in 1938.

During his undergraduate years, Yang Zhenning's talent was fully recognized, winning numerous prizes in major physics competitions. In 1949, he went to the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton to pursue his doctorate. At Princeton, he collaborated with Professor Tsung-Dao Lee, publishing a landmark paper that proposed the concept of parity non-conservation. This theory, upon its publication, sent shockwaves through the world. Their groundbreaking discovery earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957, making them prominent figures in the international scientific community.

Upon returning to China, Professor Yang Zhenning immediately dedicated himself to China's education and scientific research. He spearheaded and implemented numerous significant research projects, contributing not only to the advancement of Chinese science but also to the nurturing of a new generation of scientific talent. Now, at the age of 102, Professor Yang has not abandoned his exploration and research in physics. While people admire his scientific spirit, they have also developed a keen interest in his longevity secrets. Professor Yang believes that following these four aspects is crucial to a longer life.

1. The Importance of Mindset

Mental health is the foundation of a healthy and long life. However, in the fast-paced and stressful modern society, most people are burdened with various pressures. These pressures can naturally lead to negative emotions. Such emotional fluctuations not only affect our mental state but can also weaken our physiological resistance and immunity, increasing the risk of illness. Professor Yang deeply understands this, believing that an individual's mental state is the key factor determining their lifespan. A positive and healthy mindset is more important than any medication or supplement.

So, how can one achieve a peaceful mindset? Professor Yang suggests fostering an optimistic outlook on life. Inevitably, we encounter unexpected setbacks on our journey through life. These setbacks are what shape our growth and maturity. We should face them with a positive mindset, transforming them into a driving force for progress. Professor Yang uses his own experiences as an example, explaining that his scientific research was not always smooth sailing. He always faced challenges in his work with optimism. When feeling pressure, he often takes walks in the park, engaging with nature. This not only relaxes his body but also improves his mood, allowing him to tackle future work with a calmer and more balanced mindset.

2. Necessary and Appropriate Exercise

The immobile turtle is often seen as a symbol of longevity, leading some to believe that "immobility" equals longevity. However, from a scientific perspective, finding a balanced mix between movement and stillness is most beneficial for the body. Professor Yang also emphasizes the importance of exercise. Even at his advanced age, he continues to exercise. However, he doesn't advocate for excessive exercise, instead suggesting moderate activity.

Today, many young people dedicate significant time in gymnasiums to aerobic and anaerobic exercises. These methods are indeed effective in enhancing physical fitness and improving mental state. They increase adrenaline levels, accelerate bodily function and cardiovascular activity, which is suitable for young people. However, as we age, many people experience a decline in bodily functions and may not be able to handle strenuous exercise. Continuing with high-intensity training not only fails to benefit health but could potentially harm the body. Therefore, for older individuals, opting for low-intensity activities like walking or tai chi may be more suitable.

Professor Yang's chosen form of exercise is walking. He has maintained the habit of walking daily since he was in his sixties. Even after reaching his hundreds, he still relies on a cane to walk for ten minutes daily. During a live stream, Professor Yang discussed the benefits of walking for health. He stated that walking not only promotes blood circulation but also strengthens cardiopulmonary function, thereby enhancing overall fitness. It is both appropriate and necessary for older adults, placing minimal burden on the body. As the saying goes, "Walk a hundred steps after a meal, live to be ninety-nine." This proverb is not just an idle phrase.

3. High-Quality Sleep

After exercising, rest and sleep are essential. High-quality sleep is crucial for bodily recovery. Professor Yang emphasizes that the key to sleep quality lies not in its duration but in whether it effectively alleviates fatigue and whether a regular sleep schedule has been established. Regular rest allows the body to adjust well, reduce fatigue, maintain hormonal balance, and ensure the proper functioning of bodily functions, ultimately contributing to a healthy and long life.

However, for modern young people, staying up late has become the norm. Some even force themselves to stay up, which not only reduces their quality of life but also harms their health. Chronic sleep deprivation damages brain function, speeds up aging, disrupts hormone balance, and eventually shortens lifespan. For individuals with severe insomnia, Professor Yang recommends using tools like smart sleep trackers to adjust and optimize their sleep patterns, ensuring sufficient high-quality sleep.

4. A Keenness to Learn and Constant Brain Engagement

In addition to the above, Professor Yang's longevity secrets include maintaining an active brain. He advocates for lifelong learning and cultivating the habit of constantly engaging the brain. The human brain is a remarkable organ that needs frequent use to maintain its function, just like electronic devices at home. If the brain remains inactive for extended periods, it can become dull, turning into an inactive machine. Moreover, a lack of mental activity can lead to the gradual atrophy of the hippocampus, affecting cognitive function. In severe cases, it can even impact physical health.

Conversely, continuous learning and thinking can stimulate brain evolution, promote cerebral blood flow, increase oxygen supply, and keep nerve cells active. Slower brain aging can keep our minds active, providing the body with necessary energy and maintaining a youthful spirit. As Professor Yang Zhenning demonstrates, even at over a hundred years old, he retains clear thinking and articulate expression.

However, in today's society, many have abandoned learning, getting lost in "electronic opiates" like short videos and television series. These forms of entertainment not only provide no benefit to brain development but can also lead to mental laziness. Therefore, Professor Yang particularly emphasizes the importance of reading. He believes that reading is a meaningful activity, not only providing knowledge but also bringing genuine tranquility. Books can empower us, especially during times of distress. True "stillness" does not refer to physical stillness but to the peace and quiet of the mind. Reading is one way to achieve mental stillness, aligning with the wisdom of traditional Chinese health practices. In the world of Daoist practitioners, mental stillness is their ultimate pursuit, and it is one of their longevity secrets. Many monks achieve this state of mind through practice, leading to longer lives than ordinary individuals.

5. Healthy Lifestyle and Dietary Habits

Our diet determines our physical state. What we consume influences how our body reacts. If we only eat meat, our bodies will lack vitamins. Similarly, if we only eat vegetables, our bodies will be deficient in protein intake. Therefore, nutritionists and doctors constantly urge people to avoid picky eating and maintain a balanced diet, something Professor Yang has also done.

He views health as a form of investment