Japan: meeting the centenarians of Okinawa

Kame Miyagi, a 102-year-old resident of Okinawa (Japan), starts her days with yoga and then walking by the ocean. The centenarian, who has six great-grandchildren, lives with her 71-year-old daughter. “When I tell her not to do things, she does them”, she laughs. Okinawa (southern Japan) has 1,334 centenarians, nine for every 10,000 inhabitants. On the paradise island, many seniors produce their fruits and vegetables. At 95, Hamako Kikuyama is a star gardener and sells her produce to supermarkets.

Iodized air, daily exercise and a balanced diet

Shiho Daikoku, municipal coordinator, works for the town hall and regularly visits the elderly to ensure their good health. Solidarity, iodized air and daily exercise would be the secrets of longevity in Okinawa. Haruko Kinjo, a 104-year-old resident, is always surrounded and keeps a sense of humor. Centenarians eat balanced meals, like the bento, which costs only two euros and part of which is paid for by the town hall.