06/01/2026
At the last Bodytalks exhibition they did a study of the Okinawa centenarians to find out what they thought the secret to a long life was. I thought I’d share.
- eat a rainbow. Containing lots of vegetables and fruits, fish and seaweed, soy and tofu and red wine. A diet rich and vitamins, minerals and antioxidants protect the super-agers from cancer, heart disease and other ailments.
- lifelong learning and engaging in the world. One woman 101yo said having social and volunteer commitments, attending exercise classes and learning how to use a computer and being an active member of the church.
- mean something to someone. Humans are social beings. We need other people to flourish. The elders are often perceived as repositories of history and knowledge. Friendships across the  generational divide, with younger people and children, both their well-being.
- a purposeful life. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. They often feel important roles in their communities, use their talents and do the things they are passionate about.
- exercise in motion as a way of life. Centenarians stay fit by walking  several miles a day, exercising regularly orattending to their live stock and vegetable gardens. For one 94 year-old man, swimming is the one  ingredient that makes up his quality of life.
- The curative power of nature. Taking a walk, praying, meditating or having lunch with a friend a stress busting habits and sources of comfort and strength to these super old citizens.
- less is more. Their diets are traditionally low in meat and animal fat. The elders of Okinawa, Japan adhere to a principal called ‘hara hachi bu’ - eating only until they are 80% full, thus maintaining a daily intake of 1900 cal.
- optimism - I mantra for longevity. Super-agers like one 99 year-old man, either a born a happy go lucky personality that helps them through the inevitable stress that life brings or they develop coping mechanisms that helped them with upsets like a death or divorce.
