Li turned 98 on July 29, with no public celebration or announcement from CK Hutchison, CK Asset or the Li Ka Shing Foundation.
His health at an advanced age has been linked to six habits he has followed over many years, according to ST Headline.
A modest and balanced diet has long been a cornerstone of Li’s lifestyle. He has generally limited red meat in favor of vegetables, white rice and small fish, while sweet potato dessert soup has remained part of his diet for years.
His typical breakfast has included porridge served with side dishes and a bowl of nutritious soup, while steamed mackerel with rice is among his favorite meals.
Fish provides omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, which have been associated with cardiovascular and brain health. A joint study by Harvard University and the University of Washington found that people aged 65 and above who consumed fish twice weekly had an average mortality rate 27% lower and a risk of cardiovascular disease 40% lower than average.
Physical activity has also played an important role throughout Li’s life. Particularly during his younger years, he incorporated activities such as golf and swimming into his routine, alongside stretching and other forms of regular exercise, according to online news outlet Min.news.
Maintaining such an active lifestyle over many years may have contributed to the physical foundation that has helped him remain healthy at an advanced age.
Research has associated golf in older adulthood with several health benefits. A 2023 study from the University of Eastern Finland found that an 18-hole round improved cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation and cholesterol-related indicators among participants aged 65 and older. Researchers linked the benefits partly to golf’s extended duration and overall energy expenditure, according to Healthline.
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Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing waves goodbye to journalists after announcing his retirement as chairman of CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd at a news conference in Hong Kong, China March 16, 2018. Photo by Reuters |
Li has also developed a straightforward method for coping with stress over the years: closing his eyes and taking a brief rest.
He has said that the busier people become, the more important it is to pause, relax physically and regulate their breathing, allowing them to regain focus.
Keeping a highly structured daily routine has been another long-standing feature of his lifestyle. Li has said he typically set aside afternoons for meetings and social engagements, avoided late-night entertainment and maintained an early bedtime. He has also been known for waking at precisely 5:59 a.m.
Research published in the journal Sleep found that people who consistently sleep and wake early tend to be more physically active and report better mental health than those who follow later schedules. Rising early can also leave more time for exercise and may help lower the risk of becoming overweight or obese.
Preventive healthcare is another habit Li has maintained over the years. He undergoes regular medical examinations, regarding health checks as a form of routine maintenance that can identify potential problems before they develop into more serious conditions.
His spiritual life has also remained important to him. A devoted Buddhist, Li believes that helping others can foster happiness and inner peace, which he regards as an important foundation for health and longevity.
Together, these habits reflect a lifestyle developed over decades rather than measures Li adopted only in old age. His approach has centered on consistency: eating simply, staying physically active when able, managing stress, maintaining regular sleeping hours, monitoring his health and cultivating a sense of spiritual well-being.
Li stepped down from the leadership of his business empire in May 2018, handing control to his eldest son Victor, and has made few public appearances since.
He remains Hong Kong’s wealthiest billionaire, with Forbes estimating his fortune at US$49.2 billion as of Aug. 8.