There is a haven in this world where there are people living a long healthy and happy life. In Okinawa, Japan, there are more than 450 people over the age of 100. In 2002, it was recorded that there were 34.7 centenarians (people older than 100 years) for every 100,000 inhabitants – which is the highest ratio anywhere in the world. This number earned the prefecture title of the ‘healthiest place on earth’.
Okinawa is the southernmost part of Japan, made up of hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands in a chain that is over 1000 kilometers long.
The beauty of the island is undeniable and it’s not just the ocean air. Japan’s Ministry of Health conducted a study in 1975. They found the locals not only “age slowly” but are 80% less likely to get serious diseases. It was also concluded that on average they spend 97% of their lives free of any disease or disabilities.
It’s suspected that the reason people are able to live like this is because of a combination of diet, low-stress lifestyle, caring community, activity, and the spirituality of the locals on the island.
Diet
Okinawans eat a primarily plant-based diet with lots of stir fry and sweet potatoes. They do eat meat, but that’s generally only on special occasions and not on a regular basis. Some of their staple foods include soy, mugwort, ginger, and turmeric. Most locals homegrown vegetables in their own garden. Plus, gardening also helps them exercise.
Lifestyle
They love walking and basking under the sun to achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D.
In most Okinawan homes, they mostly sit on mats or on the floor. The action of constantly getting up and down off the floor to eat or relax every day actually helps the elderly build lower body strength. This contributes to the agility and flexibility of the muscles even as you age.
“Ikigai”
They also take care of their mental and emotional health. They embrace the principles of ‘ikigai’ which is essentially one’s purpose in life.
Many senior locals are able to recite the reason they get up in the morning. Knowing and driven by their purpose gives them a sense of responsibility and being needed well. This also allows them to focus on one thing at a time and reducing the stress of multitasking.
There is also a tradition of ‘moai’- a gathering of people that provides social networks. The gathering area for people in the community to lend financial and emotional support to each other. This gives people who are in need a sense of security and relief. The fact that they got each others’ back is inspiring.
With all these, it is proven that the Japanese lifestyle is worth practicing in our lives as well.
Source: Hello Care