Okinawa is known in Japan and throughout
the world as a place with exceptional longevity-
a high average life span, the number of people
over 100 years old and the fact that it has the
lowest death rate from lifestyle-related disease.
The mild climate, unique eating habits, active
lifestyle, and laid-back attitude are recognized as
contributory factors. Among these, eating habits
must be the most crucial factor influencing
longevity in Okinawa. Three major factors are:
eating habits, exercise, and adequate sleep.
First, compared with mainland Japan, Okinawan
eating habits have the following unique features;
an appropriate amount of meat (in particular
pork), beans (particularly tofu), a lot of vegetables
(in particular dark green and yellow vegetables),
and a small amount of salt. These simple and
balanced eating habits sustain the elderly in
Okinawa. As represented in the word nuchigusui,
Okinawan people believe that proper eating
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itself nourishes life, and it is considered to be
the most efficacious medicine. Second, being
eager to serve the community throughout their
lives, many elderly people still pursue their
careers and are actively involved in various
organizations, volunteer groups, and traditional
events in their local area. They also exercise and
walk regularly. In addition, they seem to have
more friends than old people in mainland Japan.
This gives them more chances to interact with
others. Finally, a number of elderly people in
Okinawa make it a habit to take a nap during
the day and they also sleep well at night.
Elderly people in Okinawa demonstrate that it is
important to be involved in community
activities, to interact with others in a closely
knit community, a concept referred to as yuimaru,
to respect old people and practice the Confucian
teachings of respecting ancestors, and that by
doing things one can achieve longevity