Yamada (102): “More important than what I eat is who I eat with. We share meals, stories, laughter.”
OKINAWA, JAPAN: They are super-old and sparkling characters. They represent the authentic values and practices making the Okinawan famous for living a very long life. The key to longevity on this island isn’t just about diet and food – it’s a combination of healthy eating, strong social bonds, purposeful daily activity, and maintaining a positive, engaged attitude about life.
Let´s begin with Yamada-san,102 years old. Meeting in her small garden where she cared for herbs and vegetables.
“Ichariba chode!” she greets with the traditional Okinawan meaning “once we meet, we become brothers and sisters.” Her hands are slightly soil-stained from gardening.
Every morning, she looks after her vegetables – the bitter melon called goya, sweet potatoes, herbs. “They keep me alive,” she laughs, her eyes crinkling. “But it’s not just the food. It’s the purpose, having something to wake up for.”
Food is medicine
When asked about her long-life secrets Yamada-san has the answer.
“We have a word here – ‘nuchi gusui’ – it means “food is medicine.” I eat mostly plants, small portions. Always stop eating when I’m 80% full – we call this ‘hara hachi bu.’ But more important than what I eat is who I eat with. My family, my neighbours – we share meals, stories, laughter.”
OKINAWA: THE HISTORY OF KARATE
About becoming even older: “I don’t think about age anymore. Each day is a gift. I just celebrated my Kajimaya last year – such joy! Like becoming a child again. I want to live as long as I can serve others and tend to my garden.”
Good morning, Naha!
Japan has an ageing population, and the new way of dealing with this is simple: Keeping them fit. In Naha sporty seniors have taken over the parks.
Before sunrise, at 6am, a group of men and women aged 75-94 meet up in Naha Community Park for training: The Social Dance of Long Life! They are the “Sunshine Movers” doing traditional Okinawan dance. What’s most interesting is how they naturally combine exercise with social interaction and emotional support. Training isn’t on intense workouts or achieving specific fitness goals, but rather on consistent, enjoyable movement created into daily social life.
Radio training
Suzuki-san (93) leads today’s session: “For 40 years, we’ve met here every morning. Rain or shine. We begin with Radio Taiso – known as radio exercises – then traditional dance, and some gentle karate movements. But the magic isn’t in the movements – it’s in doing them together.”
The Social part
Words from Tanaka-san (88) on benefits by group setting and the social enjoyment.
“When you exercise alone, you think about the pain, the effort. But here, we talk, we laugh – suddenly two hours have passed, and we’ve moved every part of our bodies without even noticing. Yesterday, my knees were hurting, but Keiko-san showed me a gentle way to modify the movements. This is why we live long – we share motivation and solve problems together.”
Very long life
Japanese show a different mental attitude compare with Europe and the US. They have focus on joy rather than long-life itself and maintain childlike curiosity. They have strong family bonds, and underline age as a blessing rather than burden.
At home Nakamura-san (95) sit on a terrace overlooking the ocean, drinking jasmine tea.
“Movement is life,” he says firmly, demonstrating some gentle tai chi movements. “I’ve never stopped moving. Even now, I walk to the local market every day, practice traditional dance, and play with my great-grandchildren.”
Most powerful
On the secret to long life: “Young people always ask about food,” he chuckles. “Yes, we eat well here – lots of tofu, seaweed, sweet potatoes, fish sometimes. But more important is ‘ikigai’ – having a reason for being. Mine is teaching traditional Okinawan dance to young people. This keeps my spirit young.”
“Also, we have “moai” – social support groups. Mine meets every morning for coffee. We talk, laugh, support each other through hard times. This connection, it’s more powerful than any food.”
About the future: “My mother lived to 103. I don’t chase numbers, but I want to stay healthy enough to see my great-grandchildren grow up. Every Kajimaya celebration I attend reminds me – life is a circle. We return to childhood’s joy if we’re blessed with long years.”
One house – Four generations
The Heart of long-life is family and local links. Words from 98-years old Kimura-san explain.
“We never retire from family,” she says, bouncing her great-granddaughter on her knee. “See this house, four generations under one roof. When my daughter-in-law goes to work, I watch the little ones. They keep me young, and I teach them our old ways.”
Wisdom and traditions
Key elements of Okinawan social bonds are shared family homes, daily connection between young and old, and transfer of wisdom and traditions. They also have a support system for all ages.
Such as lifelong friendship circles formed in youth, shared activities and meals, and financial and emotional support system. Local connection includes social Integration, regular festivals and celebrations, and shared gardening spaces.
Daily Practice is morning exercise groups, shared meals with family members, and even storytelling.
The Modern Challenge
As Okinawa modernizes, these traditional bonds face new pressures. However, many families and communities actively work to preserve these connections, recognizing their vital role in health and longevity. Young people are encouraged to form their own moai groups, adapting the tradition to contemporary life.
This is what Kimura-san believe: “Modern people think being independent means being alone. But in Okinawa, we know true strength comes from being connected. My great-granddaughter may use a smartphone, but she still knows the importance of sitting down for a family meal. This is how we stay healthy and how we survive.”
This is the Secret
Meeting super-seniors in Naha gave all the answers why people on Okinawa live longer than any in the world. The impact is social support, activity and daily movement, and reduced risk of isolation.
Reflection from Suzuki-san tells a lot:
“Young people go to gyms alone with headphones. We never understand this. Movement is like breathing – it’s natural, it’s social, it’s joyful. When we move together, we share energy, share life. Some in our group can barely walk now, but they still come. They sit, they move their hands, they belong. This is the secret – belonging while moving, moving while belonging.”
