I read an article by Dan Buettner in the June 2008 issue of AARP. It was on Centenarians, those who live to be a hundred years old or more. It looked at where there were concentrations of people living well into their 100's.There are presently 4 "blue zones'" where people live longer than anywhere else. They are Loma Linda, California, Nicoya Penninsula, Costa Rica, Sardinia, Italy and Okinowa, Japan. It is said, for example, that Hojancha, Costa Rica has one of the healthiest, logest-livied populations on the planet. These people are not only old, their vibrant, happy and still very productive!These are some of the lifestyle practices of this happy, healthy and vibrant group of very senior citizens:
Have a Strong Sense Of Purpose ( a goal, a vision)
Drink Hard Water (high calcium content)
Keep a Focus on the Family (live together and support each other)
Eat a Light Dinner (stay light, especially at night)
Maintain Social Networks ( keep in touch with friends)
Keep Hard at Work (keep up some physical chores)
Get Some Sensible Sun (15min. a day average)
Embrace a Common History (spirituality greatly reduces stress!)
So, there was no "special food" or "special exercise" done by all, they rise early, work hard, maintain a positive outlook on life, enjoy their family and friends, acknowledge God and are thankful to Him and eat healthy from their land. As you can see most of these aspects deal with spiritual and social issues! Perhaps while we focus most of attention to diet and exercise the main factors are relational and stress related.
Great article from Dan Buettner author of, "Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest (National Geographic).
Grace and Peace,
Ed
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