How to live happily before 100 years: the secrets of the long-livers of the island of Okinawa

The island of Okinawa in Japan, north of Taiwan, has long been considered a popular place among those who are interested in the secrets of longevity. In fact, Okinawa has the highest percentage of long-livers (those who are more than 100 years old) in the world, about 50 people per 100 thousand of the population. If we compare, for example, with America, then there are only 5-10 people per 100 thousand. However, the old people in Okinawa differ from those that we are used to seeing. We associate old age with grief, sickness, dementia and homes for the elderly. However, on the Japanese island, the long-livers are happy and surprisingly independent.

About the diseases of Parkinson, Alzheimer's, autism, cancer, diabetes and heart disease, almost no one knows, at least, up to 90 years. It is also curious that when an inhabitant of an island moves and takes a western way of life, the duration of his life decreases and becomes the same as in the whole world. So what's their secret? Although genes are of great importance, but in the first place is still a way of life. Next you will find some interesting facts about the reasons for the life span of the inhabitants of Okinawa.

1. The Vegetable Diet

Okinawa is a beautiful tropical island, and it is here that the secret of longevity lies. As the plants are close to the equator, where the damage from the sun can be greater than, for example, in our latitudes, they protect themselves by producing more photochemical elements and antioxidants to survive. These nutrients not only protect plants from scorching sun rays, but also from destruction by animals and insects. These elements are able to remove free radicals from the human body and prevent inflammation. Residents of Okinawa eat 10 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, and they are all organic.

2. Restriction in animal protein

In Okinawa, the population adheres to the vegetable diet, and they grow all the produce themselves. Their diet consists of 80% of plants and 20% of fish. Sometimes they eat pork, but this happens very rarely and only in times of special ceremony. In addition, in this meat there are no hormones and antibiotics, as in what is sold in our stores.

3. High amounts of flavonoids in food and healthy fats

Residents of Okinawa eat natural grain, root crops, sweet potatoes, greens and soy products (not modified!). Products such as miso, linen or tempe, are excellent for the liver and ease the condition of women during menopause. Thus, women feel much better, and the number of complications decreases. It is also customary to eat bitter melon. It contains vitamins B, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, iron and beta-carotene. It also helps lower blood sugar levels and can even become a cure for diabetics.

4. Calorie restriction

Okinawa does not overeat. They practice the technique, according to which there is a termination, when they feel full 80%. Calorie restriction is a rather controversial technique, but recent studies have shown that minor restrictions (not to be confused with malnutrition) give tangible benefits to health and longevity. On the one hand, you will lose weight, and on the other, thus you activate the process of autophagy, in which healthy young cells destroy the old and sick, which allows you to maintain the body in a tone. If the body is not able to independently remove accumulated debris, it can lead to heart and neurodegenerative diseases.

Another theory suggests that the restriction in calories excites the immune system and increases the state of protection, causes little stress, which leads to activation of longevity genes.

5. Daily Exercises

In Okinawa it is customary to practice daily exercises that are useful not only for the body, but also for the mind. Imagine how wonderful they feel after the end of a complex or relaxing yoga class. Most practice tai chi, karate, gardening, dancing, yoga and martial arts, which allow to keep the mind and body in combat condition. In addition, no one smokes. Also, they have very rare cases of osteoporosis, because they eat a lot of plants that are rich in calcium. They also spend a lot of time in the fresh air and the sun, which activates vitamin D and improves the health of bone tissue.

6. Positive attitude

Okinawans are distinguished for their ability to cope well with stressful situations, and also have common views on life. They have a slow pace of life, and they maintain close relationships with the family. Laboratory tests showed a low level of homocysteine, an amino acid that is present in people with heart disease. Okinawa residents have an 80% lower risk of developing heart disease than in the West.

7. Closed groups

People are social beings who need the love and support of their loved ones. 80% of older residents of Okinawa live by themselves or with their spouse, but they never lose contact with the community and with centers for the elderly, where they can play sports, participate in different games and just socialize. In Okinawa, the old people still have considerable weight in society and respect.

8. Search for "IKIGAY"

"Ikigai" literally translated as "the meaning of life." Retirement is a foreign tradition in Okinawa. Residents of the island are convinced that no one should live only for themselves, and no matter how old a person is. They always help others and try to find a new mission for themselves.

9. Developed spirituality

Spirituality (not religion) is an important part of life in Okinawa. There are morning rituals, group meditations, a sense of belonging to a group that works for the benefit of others, in order to achieve something more together. Residents are engaged in music and dancing, because, in their opinion, it awakens the soul. Local residents play on Okinawan traditional instruments - banjo - and often gather for public celebrations. Women in Okinawa are considered priestesses and shamans.

10. Eastern and Western medical approaches

Unlike the Western type of thinking, which involves tablets from every illness and not a particular concern for one's own health, Okinawa residents unite to achieve a general well-being. They use shamanic healing practices, spiritual practices, and sometimes Western methods. Older women play an active role as shamans and spiritual leaders in the villages. In everyday life, ancient herbs are used, akin to what is characteristic of Chinese traditional medicine and Ayurveda. For example, in large quantities, turmeric is used (mainly in tea). It is an antioxidant that has a positive effect on the liver.

We all could learn some life lessons from the wise inhabitants of the island of Okinawa.