Japan ranks first in terms of life expectancy in the World He alth Organization's ranking (report from 2022). How do the Japanese live to a ripe old age? This is due to many factors - the we alth of the country, a he althy diet, a lot of sports activity, and finally a reasonable, positive philosophy of life. The island of Okinawa occupies a special place in the archipelago of longevity.

Contents:

  1. Japan: we alth and economic development
  2. Japan: SPA in the Land of the Rising Sun
  3. Japan: he althy cuisine
  4. Japan: Okinawa island phenomenon
  5. Japan: Ikigai - Okinawan philosophy of life
  6. Japan: Okinawa diet

Japanis not an easy country to live in due to difficult weather phenomena or frequent earthquakes, yet the Japanese often live up to 100 years in perfect he alth. No wonder then that the whole world is watching the phenomenon of this island country. We also gathered the most important information on this topic.

Japan: we alth and economic development

An important role in the well-being of citizens is of course played by an excellent economy, we alth, and the well-functioning he alth care system that goes hand in hand with them.

The Japanese government is active not only in the field of good refinancing of services, with which we have big problems in Poland, but also in prevention. Numerous social campaigns reach a wide audience.

The Japanese are also highly aware that we are what we eat - a he althy diet also plays an important role in society. The government also regularly reminds the citizens of the Land of the Rising Sun about this.

It is also worth paying attention to the great education system, diligence and openness to innovation. Educated, we althier people statistically better care for themselves. In addition, greater funds in the home budget allow for more interesting, he alth-promoting activities of various types - including sports and recreational activities.

Japan: SPA in the Land of the Rising Sun

The Japanese are famous all over the world for both their he alth and beauty. Skin care in particular plays an important role in everyday cosmetic procedures. For many years, the Land of the Rising Sun has been gaining fame as a dynamically developing countrySPA and wellness market.

Specific natural and geological circumstances are of great importance. Fortunately, high seismic activity is not only frequent earthquakes, but also thousands of hot springs.

In the Japanese tradition, bathing and taking care of impeccable hygiene have a very long history. There are classic taverns called ryokan near the hot springs. And one of the water symbols of Japan are onsens, that is, beating hot springs, but also centers of renewal around them. They can be found almost everywhere - in the mountains, in the forest, near the sea or in cities.

The Japanese also have their own unusual treatments, typical only for them - such as a sand SPA (for about 15 minutes we bury ourselves in hot sand, which works similarly to a sauna).

Japan: he althy cuisine

We associate Japanese cuisine primarily with sushi. And yes, it is an important element in the culinary culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, but only one of many - and not necessarily the basic one. The Japanese love to eat and take great joy from it.

In modern Japan, both the slow food trend and … food porn have their manifestations. Culinary programs can shock many Westerners. For example, it is not unusual for an elegant woman in high heels to grab a raw (or still alive!) Fish and eat it whole in front of a delighted audience.

Fish and seafood occupy an important place in the Japanese menu. Here too is one explanation for their extraordinary he alth. The government also cares about it. In 2005, he even prepared recommendations for the desired diet.

Perhaps the he althiest Japanese regional diet, however, is the one from the island of Okinawa. So it's time to look at the phenomenon of this part of Japan - mainly because of the longevity of its inhabitants.

Japanese cuisine - the he althiest in the world

Far East diet - the we alth of taste and aroma

Japan: Okinawa island phenomenon

Average per 100,000 Okinawa's population is approximately 24 centenarians. In the whole of Japan, it is over 400 people per million. Nowhere else in the world are such indicators achieved. How does this happen?

It is worth taking a closer look at life in Okinawa and the he alth of the local people. Research shows that the blood of the islanders is low in free radicals responsible for cell aging. In addition, the islanders stay active longer and suffer less from dementia.

Another interesting aspect is the lack of railways - everyone moves on foot, which also contributes to the excellent formof the body.

And even more interesting - Okinawa has managed to fully implement the Japanese government's recommendation to consume less than 10 grams of s alt during the day!

As you can see, many aspects contribute to the success of the islanders. A positive, simple philosophy of life called ikigai, as well as a specific diet - typical of Okinawa, also play an important role.

Japan: Ikigai - Okinawan philosophy of life

The philosophy of life ikigai comes from the island of Okinawa. Translated into Polish, it means a reason to live ("iki" - to live, "gai" - reason).

Ikigai is a universal set of simple recommendations that allow you to take care of both your he alth and your inner balance.

Here are the most important of them:

  1. Do not retire, stay fully active.
  2. Take your peace of mind in your life, don't rush anywhere.
  3. Eating? Stop when you feel about 80 percent full. Do not overeat or starve.
  4. Exercise every day - light exercise is enough.
  5. Surround yourself with good friends.
  6. Maintain constant contact with nature.
  7. Smile a lot, stay open and get to know people around you.
  8. Live in the moment (carpe diem), fully experience what is happening, and enjoy it.
  9. Don't worry about things that are beyond your control. Remember to be grateful for everything you experience.

Japan: Okinawa diet

The diet on Okinawa is closely related to the principles of the ikigai philosophy. The menu focuses on the variety of ingredients and their low calorie content. The vast majority are plant products. Meat and dairy products are largely replaced by fish, seafood, as well as soy and soy products (including tofu).

Interestingly, Okinawans consume very little gluten, because they like rice instead of bread or pasta.

Various spices, green tea and fruit also play an important role.

It is worth paying attention especially to the three components present in the Okinawa diet, which are largely responsible for the longevity of the inhabitants:

  • omega-3 fatty acids (fish, seafood)
  • antioxidants (e.g. from green tea)
  • magnesium (rich in soybeans, beans, sesame, sweet potatoes and green vegetables)
See the gallery of 8 photos

Category:

Geriatrics