At dawn in Shanghai, the parks begin to fill. Elderly men and women, many well into their seventies and eighties, gather in loose groups. Some are stretching, some practicing tai chi, some dancing in groups, others simply walking in silence. There is no rush, just a rhythm, a gentle, graceful start to the day. They move with purpose, but without urgency. They speak softly, laugh often, and, more often than not, carry with them a thermos of tea.
In China, especially in cities like Shanghai or Macau, aging does not mean slowing down. It means embracing a routine that balances physical activity, nutritious food, social interaction, and most importantly, tea. According to World Bank data, China's average life expectancy hovers around 78 years. In Macau, it climbs to over 85. People not only live long, but live well. One reason, locals say, is the tea.
Everywhere in China, tea is not just a drink. It is a companion. It sits beside the chessboard, on school desks, in office meetings, and by bedside tables. The Chinese drink tea in the morning, after meals, before bed. They sip, refill, and sip again. And while there are dozens of varieties such as green, white, pu-erh, and jasmine, one tea stands out for its health benefits and deep cultural value: Oolong.
Oolong tea is partially oxidized, giving it a character somewhere between green and black tea. Rich in polyphenols and caffeine but gentle on the system, it is often praised for helping digestion, managing weight, and improving alertness. It also contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Recent studies continue to build on these benefits. A 2023 study in Food Chemistry found that polyphenol-rich Oolong tea positively altered gut microbiota in healthy adults, supporting improved metabolic profiles and digestive health. Another study in Food & Function revealed that aged Oolong tea reduced body weight gain and improved lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet, indicating its potential in weight management. Additionally, a 2023 review in Frontiers in Nutrition highlighted the cardiovascular benefits of tea polyphenols, including those found in Oolong, citing their role in improving blood pressure regulation and reducing heart disease risk. These findings reinforce what traditional Chinese medicine has believed for centuries that Oolong tea is a daily tonic that gently supports the body.
In Bangladesh, I used to rely on Maxpro 20mg almost daily to treat my gastroesophageal reflux, which I know is a common reality for many Bangladeshis. But here, I found something different. Wherever I went, whether it was a restaurant, a dorm, or a small food stall, I was always offered hot tea after meals instead of plain water. I started drinking Oolong tea regularly, just like the locals. To my surprise, I never needed Maxpro again. The bloating disappeared, I no longer felt the heaviness after eating, and my afternoon energy levels became stable without medication.
Over time, I adopted the habit fully. Now, I drink Oolong tea all day long, without sugar or milk. I started losing weight slowly but steadily. The best part? I did not have to give anything up or go on a diet. Of course, other lifestyle-related factors like the weather, food, and sleep also contributed to that. When I returned home to Bangladesh during the last winter break, I brought some tea for my parents. My father, who has had high cholesterol and gastroesophageal reflux for years, started drinking it regularly. Within a few weeks, he said he felt a noticeable difference-less discomfort, more ease. It has become part of their daily routine now too.
The beauty of tea culture in China is how effortless it is. Unlike intense exercise routines or expensive health programs, drinking tea is accessible to nearly everyone. In a society that values simplicity and prevention, tea is considered a gentle form of daily medicine. At community centers across cities like Shanghai, it is common to see elderly people chatting over dim sum and pouring cups of tea from their personal thermoses. Morning tea with family is a tradition, and weekend tea outings with children and grandchildren are sacred.
It is not just the tea, of course. Chinese longevity is also supported by early rising, light meals, frequent walking, and strong family ties. But while some of these habits can be hard to maintain in our fast-paced lives, tea is easy. It requires no planning, no equipment, and no schedule. It is just hot water and a few good leaves.
Living in China has changed how I view health. It is not just about fixing problems, but about nurturing your body with small, sustainable habits. Oolong tea has become more than just a drink for me. It has become a symbol of balance and care. And as I continue my studies here, learning more about media, society, and well-being, I am realizing that this quiet ritual, repeated across millions of homes, might be one of the most powerful tools for long life.
In the end, it is not always the grand decisions but the quiet ones that shape us. One cup at a time, one day at a time.
The writer is a graduate student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
