If you think your daily life is intense, wait until you hear the story of Mdm Chiang Ah Swang. Singapore’s very own Super-Ah Chor (great-grandmother) recently passed away peacefully at the eye-watering age of 110! That’s right—110 years old. She lived through world wars, saw Singapore transform from mudflats to skyscrapers, and outlasted almost everyone in her generation.

So, how did a woman survive a century of chaos, raise an entire mini-army, and still have enough battery in her 80s to sprint down an HDB corridor? Grab your kopi, because her life story reads like a Hollywood blockbuster mixed with a local Singaporean comedy—and her secret to reaching 110 might completely surprise you!

Phase 1: Dodging WWII Like an Action Hero

Back during the Japanese Occupation, Mdm Chiang was already a young mother looking after two tiny kids. When enemy planes started flying overhead, she didn’t just hide—she activated ultimate Survival Mode.

She literally chope-d longkang (drain) hideouts and dug a DIY underground bomb shelter, covering it with leaves and branches to stay invisible. And how do you keep crying babies quiet when soldiers are looking for you? You feed them peanuts! She kept her kids quiet with nuts so they wouldn’t accidentally drop their coordinates to enemy patrols. That isn’t just parenting; that’s special-forces-level field strategy.

Phase 2: Unstoppable “Iron Lady” Energy

Life didn’t get smooth sailing immediately after the war either. Mdm Chiang suffered a factory accident that left her completely blind in one eye. Did she sit down and complain? Bo hiam (no complaints)!

She dusted herself off, got a job working in a school canteen, and hustled there for 23 straight years until she finally retired at age 68.

And don’t think “retirement” meant sitting in an armchair watching Channel 8 all day. Even when she hit her 80s, her grandkid recalled her having enough pure, unfiltered stamina to literally chase him down the HDB corridor whenever he misbehaved. Imagine trying to outrun an 80-year-old grandmother who survived WWII—you’re not winning that sprint!

The Big Question: What WAS Her Longevity Secret?!

People spend thousands of dollars on organic kale smoothies, cold plunges, and fancy gym memberships to live longer. But Mdm Chiang’s family revealed a far more unexpected (and enjoyable) routine behind her incredible strength, energy, and century-plus lifespan.

Her daily routine included a little splash of cognac (specifically Hennessy) during dinner!

Her aunt used to joke that the secret elixir keeping Ah Chor strong and kicking for 110 years was none other than daily French brandy. Forget collagen drinks and green tea—turns out a sip of Hennessy might just be the fountain of youth!

The Local Hall of Fame: Other Singaporean Centenarian “Secrets”

Turns out Mdm Chiang isn’t the only local legend breaking all the modern health rules. Singapore’s centenarian club is full of icons who swear by surprisingly relatable habits:

• The Curry Puff & Pebble Path Strategy: One local 100-year-old ate Old Chang Kee curry puffs and century egg porridge almost daily. His “detox” routine? Walking barefoot on outdoor HDB pebbled reflexology paths twice a day and lifting wooden logs at the fitness corner!
• The No-Ice-Water Rule: Another centenarian swore off drinking ice water for over 52 years, pairing it with a disciplined 4:00 AM wake-up routine to keep his mind and body anchored.
• Fried Chicken & Pure Independence: Forget strict clean eating—two local centenarian grandmas insisted on walking downstairs on their own well past age 100 just to treat themselves to fried chicken wings and fried bee hoon. Their fierce insistence on staying independent kept their muscles sharp!
• Accidental HDB Cardio: Experts note that Singaporeans naturally rack up longevity points just by navigating their neighborhoods—walking to the nearest hawker centre, MRT station, or park daily provides functional exercise without ever stepping foot inside a gym.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

In total, Mdm Chiang leaves behind 6 children, 6 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

Living to 110 is no joke, but doing it with resilience, humor, a fierce love for family, and a glass of cognac in hand makes Mdm Chiang an absolute icon. Rest in peace, Ah Chor—a true Pioneer generation hero! 🥂🫡

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