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Why Do Okinawans Live longer Than Most People? |
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Okinawa is one of
Japan's Ryuku island. It is known
for its natural beauty and unique culture, which is rather different from that
of the rest of Japan. The island has
inspired a great deal of art and music, such as the song "Shima Uta" (Island
Song) by The Boom, which has been covered by many other artists, such as the
iconic Gackt. Both the island's
beauty and Okinawans lifestyle contribute to the island's special atmosphere.
Part of
the reason the Okinawan lifestyle is so interesting is because of the relative
longevity of its inhabitants. Not
only do people live to an advanced age (often into their nineties, and
occasionally becoming centenarians), but the elderly tend to remain healthy,
active, and independent for much longer than people in most parts of the world,
even in comparison to the advanced West.
People
who have studied Okinawa's people note several "special" characteristics in
their culture. First is the fact that Okinawans do not traditionally ascribe to
"retirement." People in their eighties still work, and are even in charge of looking after even older relatives. This physical and mental activeness helps prevent bodily debilitation as well as senility. Compounded with
Okinawa's healthy traditional diet which is heavy on
vegetables and light on processed meats and snacks it is really no surprise that
many older Okinawans are in great physical shape.
Another
interesting trait is Okinawa's attitude towards older people. The elderly are respected, even revered, and have a great deal of
influence in their communities. Now,
you might think that this may not necessarily set Okinawa apart from the rest of
Japan. After all, is Japan not a
very traditional country where older people in general are revered? Well, yes, up to a point.
However, visitors to Japan have noted a certain "Peter Pan" tendency in
Japan's
current generation of youth, especially in urban areas like Tokyo. It is considered extremely important to be considered "young" as long as
possible, which of course implies a very negative attitude towards growing
older. By contrast, Okinawans in
general have far less dread of old age. It is possible that this aspect of
Okinawa's culture
contributes to the amazing longevity and vitality of its inhabitants.
Yet
another possible root cause of Okinawans longevity is the cultural concept of Ikigai, which can be translated as
one's reason to wake up in the
morning. Of course, this is not
necessarily directly related to the elderly.
Young people can have Ikigai,
as well. However, having a purpose
to one's life is important to a sense of overall well-being. Though found
elsewhere in Japan (and, of course, in other countries under other names), a
sense of Ikigai is particularly
important to Okinawans.
Of
course, culture span
is not static. Okinawa is neither a
fortress nor a museum. People's
attitudes change, especially as they are exposed to outside influences.
However, it is to be hoped that Okinawans make the best of these changes,
and that Okinawan
culture can evolve without losing the characteristics that make life
there good for many inhabitants of all ages.
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