After Losing Her Only Daughter and Giving Birth to Twins at 60... The Life Rewritten by a 76-Year-Old Chinese Mother

Highlighted Again by International Photography Award
Nearly One Million Followers on Social Media
Lost Daughter in 2009, Gave Birth to Twins via IVF

A woman who became known in China as the ‘oldest mother’ after giving birth to twins at the age of 60, following the loss of her only daughter, is attracting attention once again. Now 76 years old, she continues to make a living through live streaming and social media activities, offering words of comfort and hope to parents who have lost children.

On May 17, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Sheng Hailin from Anhui Province, China, has returned to the spotlight after a photo series documenting her life was featured at an international photography award. This photo project chronicles her journey of becoming a mother again after losing her daughter, and raising two children at an advanced age over a long period of time.

Mr. Seong lost his only daughter and son-in-law in a carbon monoxide poisoning accident in 2009. Amid deep grief, he decided to have children again, and the following year in 2010, he gave birth to twin daughters Jjoozoo and Huihuie through in vitro fertilization. Douyin

In 2009, Sheng lost her only daughter and son-in-law to a carbon monoxide poisoning accident. Overcome with deep grief, she decided to have children again, and in 2010, at the age of 60, she gave birth to twin daughters, Jjoozoo and Huihuie, through in vitro fertilization. The pregnancy was far from smooth. She experienced severe edema and bleeding, facing dangerous situations, but ultimately welcomed her two daughters. This news captured nationwide attention in China, while also sparking debate about the risks of late-age childbirth, concerns for the children’s future, and the couple’s financial responsibilities.

A former doctor, Sheng returned to work after retirement to raise her daughters. She traveled across China giving lectures on health and nutrition, constantly working to cover living and education expenses. The twin daughters grew up receiving various education such as dance and piano. However, challenges continued. Her husband suffered a stroke in 2016, and after a lengthy illness, passed away in 2022. On top of this, she also fell victim to an investment scam, plunging Sheng into crisis once more.

Despite these unexpected hardships, she did not falter. Entering her seventies, Sheng began live streaming, supporting herself by selling health foods and household goods. On short-form video platforms, she shares content on cooking, health management, and parenting experiences, and is now an influencer with nearly 1 million followers.

Mr. Sheng, a former doctor, started working again after retirement to raise his two daughters. He traveled across China giving lectures on health and nutrition, constantly moving to cover living and education expenses. The twin daughters grew up receiving various education such as dance and piano. Douyin

Online community members affectionately call her the ‘life mother’ (“saeng eomma”). Her resilience—never giving up on life for the sake of her two daughters despite grief and financial difficulties—has resonated with many people.

Sheng says she is making efforts to bridge the generational gap with her daughters. “I always try to keep my mind young,” she said. “I learn about my daughters’ interests and follow the trends of the younger generation.” She added, “I am always proud to be a mother, and I want to live beyond 100 years for my daughters.” However, she emphasized that her choices are not easily available to everyone. Sheng stated, “Such a decision requires health, knowledge, and the ability to earn a steady income,” but also conveyed, “I hope that mothers in any situation can find the courage to live for themselves.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.