The people of Okinawa, an island southwest of mainland Japan, are known for their longevity. Longevity Rules author Dan Buettner studied their habits and found eight important ingredients that help them live long, happy lives.
1. Understand ikigai
Ikigai is the individual meaning of existence, or the purpose of life. The oldest inhabitants of Okinawa clearly define for themselves why they get up in the morning. When life is filled with goals, roles and responsibilities are clearly assigned, this gives a sense of being needed even at the age of 100.
2. Stick to a plant-based diet
Long-livers of Okinawa live on plant foods for most of their lives. Their diet consists of fried vegetables, sweet potatoes, and tofu, which are high in nutrients and low in calories. If the hundred-year-old Okinawans eat pork, then this happens only on special occasions and in rather small quantities.
3. Go gardening
Nearly all long-livers in Okinawa have ever done or are engaged in gardening. It is a source of daily physical activity, which forces you to move in a variety of directions, and the regularity and uniformity of movements creates the effect of meditation and helps to reduce stress levels. Among other things, they always have fresh vegetables and herbs at their disposal.
4. Maintain moai
Okinawan tradition is to educate moai, or uniting people by the type of social networks. These networks provide financial and emotional support when needed and protect all of their members from stress by making sure they have someone with them to support them.
5. Enjoy the sun
Vitamin D, produced by the body when exposed to sunlight, helps to strengthen the skeletal system and maintain the health of the body as a whole. Staying outdoors helps Okinawa’s centenarians get optimal amounts of vitamin D all year round.
6. Be active
Long-livers of Okinawa devote a lot of time to walking and gardening. There is very little furniture in a traditional Okinawan family home; residents eat and relax while sitting on the tatami on the floor. Elderly people get up from the floor and sit down again several dozen times a day, which in itself strengthens the body and balance, protecting against dangerous falls.
7. Be kind
Okinawans are distinguished by their friendliness and self-control. They leave all bad things in the past and enjoy the simple pleasures of today. They have learned to be friendly, and everyone feels comfortable in their company.