Why Do The Japanese Live Longer? Life Expectancy

Nowadays, we are hardly surprised anymore to read or see the news that someone from Asia has broken another lifespan record and that their birthday cake has over a hundred candles. We probably all wonder “how do they do it?” In this article, we will describe why the Japanese live longer and how we can learn from them to make our lives longer and healthier.

The Japanese live longer because of their lifestyle

Some of the oldest women in the world live in Japan (or more precisely on the island of Okinawa). They are ranked eighth in obesity among industrialized countries like the United States, and cardiovascular disease is rare.

The average life expectancy of Japanese people is around 92 years, but many live longer. The best part is that they live a healthy life. While genetics is one of the main reasons for this, a lot of credit goes to their daily habits as well.

If you are not allowed to carry Asian genes, don’t worry, you can still lead a similar lifestyle and benefit from it.

Why do the Japanese live longer?

Did you know that the average person in Japan goes to the doctor once a month? This does not mean that they are hypochondriacal or that they love medical tests, but they are concerned about their health and trust preventive treatment. This is just one of the tips for a longer life. Here are some other examples:

1. “Almost” vegetarian diet

Most people who live in Japanese villages base their diets on fruits, vegetables and grains, occasionally adding some fish or red meat, which they save for special occasions. A typical lunch is high in nutrients and low in calories: fried vegetables with tofu, sweet potatoes and soy sauce.

They don’t eat as many dairy products as we do in the west. They add brown rice to small meals (it’s an excellent source of protein) and some seaweed for extra flavor.

When it comes to drinks, green tea makes up a significant part of their diet. The Japanese drink a few cups of tea throughout the day (in other countries, this is how you drink coffee). This tea is rich in antioxidants and is good for the digestive system.

2. Walks

They also tend to cycle frequently, both in the city and in the countryside. In Japan, cars are considered a luxury and a waste of time due to their huge population. On public transport such as the metro or train, you will see many passengers with their bicycles.

Moreover, when they have to go somewhere, such as to the doctor or school, they choose to walk instead of the vehicle. This habit can bring us many benefits, especially for the cardiovascular system. Walking helps prevent heart attacks and improves respiratory health.

3. Fresh air

No matter how much space or time they devote to their daily chores, you will always see Japanese people taking care of their plants and flowers. Their gardens may be small but they are well kept. Some people plant aromatic species or small vegetables on their balcony.

It’s normal for Japanese people to exercise in public parks on nice days in spring or summer. They like to spend time outdoors, maybe because their houses are small, and maybe to make the most of the sunlight. It also has benefits as it gives vitamin D and aids calcium absorption.

As you can see, the Japanese are very active, even after retirement. They can do many different things, and age is not a barrier to enjoying life.

4. Spending time with family

Of all the habits that extend life, we must also mention those that are good for our spirit, mind, and nervous system. The family is most important to them, and as they grow up, the eldest child takes responsibility for looking after their parents.

5. Peaceful life

Of course, this is not always the case in the big cities of Japan. Those who live and work in the metropolis operate at a much faster pace. However, they also spend a lot of time meditating or practicing relaxation techniques such as Tai Chi.

It is normal for people to do a kind of relaxing “dance” in public. This helps them get back to their roots and forget about stress. These are the habits that make the Japanese live longer and that you can implement in your life no matter where you live.