Live to be 100 (and still do karate)
September 28th 2006 01:39
The southern Japanese island of Okinawa has the highest rate per capita of centenarians (people who make it to 100 still breathing) in the world. Not a bad effort I say. But if you’re like me you may say “who wants to live to 100 and be stuck in a bed and have dementia”. Not I certainly. The interesting thing with a lot of Okinawan’s is that not only do they live to 100 and beyond, but they appear to still be relatively healthy both in body and mind.
So how do they do it? No biggie, just plenty of unprocessed foods in the form of fruits and vegetables, stacks of Omega 3’s via their high fish intake (about 3 or 4 servings per week), and they keep physically active. A lot of their physical activity comes from walking and gardening – growing vegetables etc. Apparently it’s also not uncommon to see a century maker in local karate classes, although by that age you’d think they’d be the instructor. You won’t find a donut or can of your favourite fizzy in a centenarian’s pantry. Vegetables, whole grains and fruits make up a big portion of their diet (over 70%). For the big drinkers out there, you won’t fit in if you’re planning on holidaying in Okinawa. The key to longevity the Okinawans say is in moderation, with alcohol being consumed in very small amounts.
The incidence of heart disease, stroke and cancer is low in Okinawa. Bradley J Wilcox, co-author of a book called “The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health - And How You Can Too" says that the Okinawans also have a strong spiritual commitment and a positive outlook on life to compliment their physical activity and plant based diet. These factors all contribute, they say, to the longevity and wellbeing of the people.
Who’s keen for a holiday to Japan? MB
So how do they do it? No biggie, just plenty of unprocessed foods in the form of fruits and vegetables, stacks of Omega 3’s via their high fish intake (about 3 or 4 servings per week), and they keep physically active. A lot of their physical activity comes from walking and gardening – growing vegetables etc. Apparently it’s also not uncommon to see a century maker in local karate classes, although by that age you’d think they’d be the instructor. You won’t find a donut or can of your favourite fizzy in a centenarian’s pantry. Vegetables, whole grains and fruits make up a big portion of their diet (over 70%). For the big drinkers out there, you won’t fit in if you’re planning on holidaying in Okinawa. The key to longevity the Okinawans say is in moderation, with alcohol being consumed in very small amounts.
The incidence of heart disease, stroke and cancer is low in Okinawa. Bradley J Wilcox, co-author of a book called “The Okinawa Program: How the World's Longest-Lived People Achieve Everlasting Health - And How You Can Too" says that the Okinawans also have a strong spiritual commitment and a positive outlook on life to compliment their physical activity and plant based diet. These factors all contribute, they say, to the longevity and wellbeing of the people.
Who’s keen for a holiday to Japan? MB
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