Want to live long? While longevity as a process is not linear (some people just live more than the others), we indeed can take some steps to increase our lifespan, primarily to spend more time with our family and children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren! However, while diet and exercise do help, is there really a magic potion to increase longevity? Let us ask the expert... (source:katedeeringfitness)
Dr. Shigeaki Hinohara, a renowned Japanese physician who lived to the remarkable age of 105, left behind simple yet powerful advice for living a longer, healthier life. His approach is practical, focusing on mindset, lifestyle, and purpose rather than complicated diets or extreme regimens. Let’s take a look…
Don’t Retire (at least not from living life)
One of Dr. Hinohara’s strongest beliefs was to never fully retire. He argued that retirement ages were set when people lived shorter lives, so now, with longer life expectancy, we should keep working or stay active much later. He himself worked up to 18 hours a day well into his 100s. And by retiring, he did not mean from a job. You can retire from your job, but continue to be busy, volunteering, gardening, etc.
Move More Every Day
Physical activity is essential, no matter your age. Dr. Hinohara recommended simple daily movements like walking, taking stairs, or light exercise to maintain flexibility, circulation, and overall health.
Moving regularly keeps your heart healthy, and prevents muscle stiffness.
Keep Your Diet “Stupidly” Simple
Dr. Hinohara’s diet was straightforward and modest, and a far cry from the fad diets that are rampant today. He ate mostly vegetables, fish, rice, and lean meat twice a week. He practiced “hara hachi bu,” a Japanese habit of eating until you are 80% full, avoiding overeating. Most importantly, his meals were homecooked, balanced and simple.
Have A Purpose In Life
Purpose fuels longevity. Dr. Hinohara believed that having a reason to wake up each day-whether it’s work, helping others, or pursuing passions, keeps you going. Whatever you do in life, don’t sit idle, he would say.
Don’t Overthink Your Health
While staying healthy is important, Dr. Hinohara warned against obsessing over every little symptom or health scare. Instead, trust your body and maintain a balanced lifestyle. Overthinking can cause stress, which negatively affects health. He encouraged a calm, confident approach to wellness.
Trust Yourself and Listen to Your Body
Dr. Hinohara emphasized the importance of intuition. He advised people to trust their own instincts about their health and well-being, rather than blindly following every new health trend. Learning to understand your body’s signals helps you make better choices tailored to your needs.
Feed Your Soul, Not Just Your Body
Longevity is about more than physical health. Dr. Hinohara stressed nourishing your soul through quality time with family, learning, creativity, and joy. Engaging in activities that you really enjoy adds quality to your life, that in turn helps longevity.
