2006-09-01 14:20:07 · 8 answers · asked by raymond b 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
It is a combination of things! I am over here in Okinawa, that's where I live. I can tell you from experience there are a few things that contribute to the longevity. First is the tropical island lifestyle, Okinawans are very laid back and relaxed. Traditionally they were farmers & fishermen by trade, so the busy hussle and bussle and stress of business was not a factor. They take their time and they lived by "Okinawa time" which was not in a hurry and if your close to being on time you are on time. Second was the diet, they eat fresh vegatables that many other areas of the world don't have such as "Goya" or bitter melon. It is high in vitamins and antioxidents. Lastly as one previous answer listed is the intake of coral, is believed to contribute. The Okinawans eat fish and sea life and injest coral by that means from the fish that eat coral. (Parrot Fish are extremely popular to eat here and delicious) If you would like to read further pick up a copy of the Okinawa Program, a great book on the subject. It is interesting to note that Okinawa is loosing it's high count of centarians and they are not being replaced by the younger generations. This has a lot to do with the influence of Western culture and fast food on the younger kids and the loss of traditional occupations like the small fishermen and Sugar Cane farming, much of the island is trying to shift to support the tourist industry and younger generations are moving off of Okinawa for better job opportunities.
2006-09-01 14:25:53 · answer #1 · answered by Man_in_Japan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good genes, maybe?
There is this new phenomena called "gene trauma." Based on Darwin's "survival of the fittest," it is when historical traumas, which some people survived over others in near impossible conditions, pass their survival genes on to the next generation. Another example would be survivors of the Holocaust.
Interesting...
2006-09-01 14:23:56 · answer #2 · answered by dawnsakura 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
maybe because they get more time off of work? u.s.a. about 2 weeks off vacation a year. They might also have a better Diet? We eat more fattening foods. u.s.a. has alot more stress. Alot of people in u.s.a. are taking depression & anxiety meds today. etc...
2006-09-01 14:42:03 · answer #3 · answered by mr_know_it_all_12345 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
climbing stairs and eating fish. Really. They don't use elevators, most '80s are quite active and live on upper floors.
2006-09-01 14:25:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being down wind of the bikini atoll.
2006-09-01 14:21:44 · answer #5 · answered by Bear Naked 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They drink like fish and smoke like chimnees
2006-09-01 14:21:44 · answer #6 · answered by martin h 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some say it is the coral they inadvertantly ingest, some speculate it is the glacial water from the mountains.
2006-09-01 14:22:39 · answer #7 · answered by bruserdog 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
there diet....it's mostly fish....
2006-09-01 14:21:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋