Lin was appointed vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences in 1959, and she was elected a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). But Lin wasn't overly excited by the honors. She once said, "I can't do without patients. I feel upset if I haven't seen patients for one day."

In her twilight years, Lin was a consultant to many magazines; she presided over the editing of many well-received books, and she was chief editor of the lengthy book Gynecological Tumor. She remained single throughout her life. In her will, she gave all of her savings to the kindergartens and nurseries in Beijing.

After an illness left her confined to her bed, Lin continued thinking about her desire to build a research center. Later, her proposal was approved, and a research institute was established in the Chinese Academy of Medical Science.

On April 22, 1983, the 82-year-old Lin slipped in and out of consciousness. "I'm going to go. Don't try to rescue me any more. Don't waste the medicine any more." Those were her last words.