Okinawans are known for their resilience, health and strength in their older years. They do not succumb to the same sorts of illnesses on the whole as the rest of the world with very low incidents of cancer, heart disease or stroke.

Their low cancer rates have been attributed to the fewer calories that they consume per meal. They have a cultural practice called Hara Hachi Bu, which means they only consume 80% of what would make them full. They also eat lots of fruit and vegetables, plenty of good fats and fibre, As a result it has been said that Okinawans are 80% less risk of breast and prostate cancer and 50% less risk of ovarian and colon cancers.

The participants of health research carried out on Okinawans found that they have healthy, plaque free arteries and low cholesterol. This was put down to low alcohol consumption, no smoking, a more peaceful and stress free outlook and keeping active.

The Okinawans positive outlook was said to play a strong role in their levels of healthy living and low risk of dementia. They were said to have strong coping ability with a sense of purpose, belonging and spirituality. Culturally Okinawans have a respect hierarchy regarding age and experience which means that older folk are not tossed on society’s heap of yesterday. They remain relevant and respected.

This lessens their need to try and compete with younger people as we see in western culture where older people try in vain to hang onto their youthful appearance with over reliance on cosmetic surgery in an attempt to remain relevant in their field or in their personal lives.