PRESCRIPTION FOR A HEALTHY LONG LIFE
In today’s Times of India, there is an article which states “Mrs. Kane Tanaka celebrated her 117th birthday on 2nd Jan 2020”. According to Guinness World Records, she is the oldest live person, she was born in the year 1903 in Japan. And guess what?
She is not a lone Supercentenarian (a person who completes 110 years).
Apart from Japan, there are few more regions in the world that houses the OLDEST but HEALTHIEST people, like Icaria in Greece, Ogliastra, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica and Loma linda in California (USA).
These regions on the map are called “BLUE ZONES” where there is an extremely high rate of Nonagenarians (a person who is between 90 to 99 years of age) and Centenarians (a person who completes 100 years).
So what helps these people live 100+ years?
We can say GENETICS…..but it only accounts for about 20 – 30% of longevity. Thus, there are other factors that help them live a long healthy life, which includes DIET and LIFESTYLE.
So, what is the PRESCRIPTION for a healthy long life. Here is a compilation of few common characteristics of these communities:
They eat a dominantly plant based diet.
They consume 4-6 servings of fruits & vegetables daily.
Whole grains & legumes are dominant in their meals.
They consume nuts daily.
They eat very little animal protein.
They consume alcohol moderately.
They fast and follow the principal of “Hara Hachi Bu”, which means they stop eating when they are 80% full.
However, EATING WISELY is only one part, there are a few more POSITIVE RULES that make these people Centenarians & Supercentenarians.
Low Intensity Exercise is built into daily life like farming, gardening, walking to work place etc.
They get enough sleep.
People of these communities donot smoke.
Older & younger generation lives together.
They have a purpose in life.
They are spiritually fulfilled.
They live in tight knit communities.
The BLUE ZONE regions are home to some of the oldest and healthiest people in the world. By incorporating “Their RULES Of Living” into our lives, it is possible for us to add a few more healthy years to our lives.
Ref: Mumbai Mirror, Jan 6 ’2020; Krause’s Food the Nutrition Care Process (14th Edition 2016) by Kathl.pdf