Okinawa: Land of the Immortals

After I was introduced to Okinawa, Japan, where I eventually resided for 4 years, I acknowledged and adopted many aspects of their culture. The percentage of individuals who eat and drink healthy far surpasses that of the American population. The ingredients that comprise their meals are less harmful to the human body; and instead provide it with the proper nourishment. Fact: Okinawa people live longer than any other nation in the world, including residents of mainland Japan. At this point you should be questioning their secret.

"Land of the Immortals" is how the ancient Chinese referred to the small Ryukyu Island of Japan. It is here where Japan banned the use of firearms, and the island natives were compelled to train in the martial arts. It is here, the poorest province of Japan, where stress influences a very tiny percentage of society. Even though Okinawa was a strategic position for the Japanese during World War II, when the islanders were invaded and forced to subjugate, they still remain a traditional culture today. To add to the responsibility, more than 20% of the island is now jurisdiction of the American government; where nearly 20,000 US military members operate military installations. Though our presence helps the Okinawa economy, we also endanger their way of life. Studies have shown that a healthy diet and attitude is the leading factor in the longevity of life for the Okinawa people. They also indicate that our culture as a presiding neighbor to theirs will inevitably affect the longevity. Youth near the US installations who consumed the same fast food we are accustomed to, had an increased risk of obesity levels, cardiovascular diseases, and even miscarriages among pregnant women.

Though our presence may endanger their way of life, it does not hinder their traditional values and attitudes. While our American senior citizens (over the age of 60) are lying in nursing homes and frequently leaving the comforts of their own homes, Okinawa seniors (between 60-100 yrs) are active daily. You can view papa and mama-sans as they pedal their bike down Kokusai Dori, sell their goods in town, or even get paid to clean and do laundry for American service members. Their way of life is a remarkable example that we should all strive to set. While our people seek medical treatment as a result of fast food, pollution, etc......Okinawa people simply sip their green tea and their sashimi (obviously this is not their secret, but I am sure it helps) and maintain an active life that exceeds our norm by nearly 20 years.

Why are people of Okinawa the most long-lived on Earth (2007). Retrieved Nov 2, 2009 from http://news.softpedia.com/news/Why-Do-People-of-Okinawa-Are-the-Most-Long-Lived-on-Earth-53411.shtml