Why Do Japanese Live Longer?

Today, it is no longer surprising to hear that once again an Asian has turned 100 years old. But how do they do it? In this article, we will reveal why Japanese people live longer and how we can learn from them to live longer and healthier.

High life expectancy due to lifestyle

Japan (or more specifically the island of Okinawa) is home to some of the world’s oldest women. There, the number of overweight people is one-eighth of what it is in industrialized countries like the United States, and cardiovascular disease is rare.

The life expectancy of Japanese is about 92 years, but many Japanese live longer than this. And best of all, they live a healthy life. While one reason for a long time to come can be found in hereditary factors, part of the glory belongs to the daily lifestyles of the Japanese.

If you have not been blessed with Asian genes, don’t worry; you can still embrace similar lifestyles and enjoy their benefits.

Why do Japanese people live longer?

Did you know that the Japanese visit a doctor on average once a month? This is not because they are hypocritical or love medical checkups. It only shows that they are concerned about their health and believe in preventative treatments. This is just one way to live longer. Below are more reasons why Japanese live longer.

1. Be an “almost” vegetarian

Most Japanese living in villages (not as many as those living in the city) eat mainly fruits, vegetables, and grains. Sometimes they eat a little fish or red meat, but they are saved for special moments. A typical lunch is high in nutrients and low in calories: seared vegetables and tofu, sweet potatoes and soy sauce.

Nor do they eat as much dairy products as Westerners. They add dark rice to many small meals (it’s an excellent source of protein) and a little seaweed to give it extra flavor.

Drinking green tea, on the other hand, is an important part of your diet. The Japanese drink a certain amount of green tea throughout the day (as in other countries, coffee is drunk). Green tea is high in antioxidants and is good for the digestive system.

2. Walking

The Japanese also tend to cycle more, as much in cities as on land. In Japan, cars are considered a luxury and a waste of time due to the large population. On public transport, such as the metro or train, you can see a lot of passengers on wheels.

When the Japanese have to take care of things, go to the doctor or school, they would rather walk than use their own vehicle. This habit has many benefits, especially for the cardiovascular system. Walking helps prevent heart attacks and improves the respiratory system.

3. They enjoy the fresh air

The Japanese are always seen taking care of their plants and flowers. These Japanese gardens may be small, but they are well maintained. Some also grow herbs or small vegetables on their balcony.

On beautiful spring or summer days, the Japanese usually move around in the parks. They like to spend time in the fresh air, perhaps because their houses are small, or to get the most out of the sunlight. This point alone is good, as it promotes vitamin D intake and calcium absorption.

As you can see, the Japanese are very active, even after retirement. They do a lot of different things, and age is no barrier to enjoying them.

4. They spend a lot of time with family

Of all the factors that increase the life expectancy of the Japanese, mention must also be made of habits that are good for the soul, mind, and nervous system. For the Japanese, family is the most important thing, and as someone gets older, his or her eldest child takes responsibility for his or her care.

Grandparents spend a lot of time with their grandchildren, as older people are seen as a great source of wisdom and experience. This will definitely help them feel useful as they are doing something important at home while teaching the children.

5. They live more peacefully

Of course, this is not always the case in major Japanese cities. People living and working in metropolises generally live much more hectic lives. But even they spend time meditating or relaxing through Tai Chi, for example.

It is normal to see the Japanese doing some kind of rhythmic or relaxing “dance” in public places. This will help them forget about stress.

Here were some reasons why the Japanese live longer, and many of them we can put into practice ourselves.