The island of Okinawa, southwest of Japan’s main landmass, is home to the healthiest and largest population of centenarians in the world. In other words, people who have lived one hundred years or more and have led remarkably healthy lives. The centenarian ratio of Okinawans is 50 per 100,000 people in a given population, almost triple that of Canada’s ratio, and on average, Okinawan males live 78 years whereas Okinawan females live 86 years. Furthermore, the Okinawan people are known for having the lowest rates of age related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, dementia, and osteoporosis.
What is their secret? According to The Okinawan Centenarian Study, apart from possible genetic factors, their stress free lifestyle and nutrient dense diet plays a major role. A few of the key habits are briefly discussed below.
An elderly Okinawan (Image Courtesy Of: Flikr Commons)
“Whew, I’m stuffed!”. This is a phrase you’ll probably never hear on this small island due to the Okinawans having a philosophy of only eating till they’re 80% full, referred to as hara haci bu . Although there is no instinctual way of knowing if you’re 80% full, it is roughly around 1800-1900 calories, the typical amount consumed by Okinawans. It’s important to note that just as the quantity of calories is key, so is the quality of the calories. The diet of Okinawans is heavily plant based, accompanied by oily fish 2-3 times per week, and is limited in refined grains, meats, saturated fats, and dairy.
Apart from their dietary habits, Okinawans remain active individuals throughout their life. Walking, gardening, dance, and tai chi are a few examples that the elderly partake in, which helps maintain their cardiovascular system, in addition to allowing them to maintain their muscle and bone strength.
“So the secret to a longer life is daily exercise and proper nutrition? Lame! How about telling me something I haven’t heard before?”
Not so fast.
In addition, the Okinawans embrace an ikigai. An ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning “a reason for being”. Older Okinawans can readily articulate their purpose in getting up every morning. This definite sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of one’s self provides them with a clear role of responsibility and a feeling of being needed.
It’s clear that apart from healthy eating habits and daily exercise, a positive outlook on life is just as important, as illustrated by the stress free lifestyle of the Okinawans.
Check out the short documentary below for a more in depth review of the lifestyles of the Okinawans!
Youtube video courtesy of: TheWayPlace
Thanks for reading!
-Sahil Mann
