Long Life Expectancy in Japan

In Japan, data is collected that records birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as other information for census purposes.  This information has been tracked since the 1870’s, and the database shows that Japan has one of the highest concentrations of people who live longer than 100 years.
Why is it that the Japanese people live for so long?  After studying 900 centenarian in Okinawa as well as many more elderly in their 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, researchers were able to get a better understanding about life expectancy in Japan.

Genetics and Lifestyle Play a Role in Life Expectancy

Research shows that genetics are a factor in the life expectancy of the Okinawan people.  But, don’t be fooled into thinking that life expectancy is out of your control, because it was also discovered that lifestyle has a major impact on a person’s length of life.  In fact, it has been suggested that only about a third of a person’s lifespan is based on genetics, and two thirds is based on lifestyle.

Caloric Restrictions and Metabolic Damage

Once it was determined that lifestyle impacts lifespan, the next step was to identify the lifestyle factors that can be manipulated to increase lifespan.  One of these theories is based on free radicals, and suggests that unstable molecules in the body are caused by the metabolic processes that occur.  These free radicals cause damage to DNA and tissues, leading to aging and disease.  Over time, the damage increases and ultimately leads to health decline.
It was found that the Okinawans consume lower levels of calories, which can contribute to free radical levels within the body.  By restricting caloric intake on a daily basis, it is possible to reduce the metabolic damage that occurs, which in turn can increase a person’s lifespan.  So, calorie restriction might be the secret to the long lifespans of the Okinawan people!

Should You Restrict Calories?

If you want to improve your health and lengthen your life, then you need to consider the number of calories that you consume each day.  The problem is that many people eating the “Standard American Diet” are consuming high levels of empty calories.  Since they aren’t getting the nutrition needed for optimal health, they continue to eat because the body is sending hunger signals even though the stomach is full.

Instead of eating high calorie, low nutrient food, it is much better to focus on low calorie, high nutrient food. Also, managing portions and frequency of eating can have a positive benefit to improve health and help you live longer.

Bottomline:  Low stress lifestyle and low calories help boost longevity by minimizing your exposure to free radicals.  Although we can’t avoid free radicals, we can lower free radicals through diet and better managing stress in your life.  It may not be the sexy answer you were looking for, but it does show you that it’s not difficult to have a healthy and very long life.  Eat whole foods that are dense in nutrients but low in calories and do the best to can to lower stress levels.  Personally, I think stress plays a much bigger role than food and it’s also more challenging to manage stress than diet.  However, it’s definitely doable… much like making a commitment to eat well and exercise… managing stress takes commitment and dedication.  But as the Okinawans have proven, in the long run it’s well worth it.