In a world where the pursuit of longevity and healthy aging is a quest shared by many, one place stands out as an extraordinary example of remarkable longevity: Okinawa, Japan. The Okinawan population boasts an unusually high number of centenarians and individuals living well into their 100s. At the forefront of unraveling the mysteries behind this phenomenon is Dr. Makoto Suzuki, a pioneering researcher whose work has shed light on the secrets of Okinawan longevity. Dr. Makoto Suzuki is a part of my moai, and I have visited many of his (and now my) fellow moai'in. Watch the video below where I share an exclusive interview with Dr. Suzuki. You can see what Dr. Suzuki's moai is like, learn why a blue zone is called a blue zone, how he discovered Okinawan longevity, and more.
Meet Dr. Makoto Suzuki
Dr. Makoto Suzuki, by chance discovered the extraordinary longevity of Okinawa when he moved to Okinawa by orders from his senior. He was instructed to help build the first hospital in Okinawa, now known as the University of the Ryukyus Hospital. He heard a rumor that some Okinawans were living past the age of 100. He set out to see it for himself and confirm it was true. Even he did not believe it at first.
When he met his first centenarian, he did a full body examination, a personal interview, an interview of the family, and consulted the town hall records. Without a doubt, this individual, like many others he comes to discover, was 100 years old and healthier than one would imagine a 100-year-old to be. As a medical doctor, gerontologist, and epidemiologist, he dedicated his entire career to understanding the factors contributing to the long and healthy lives of the Okinawan people. Dr. Suzuki's relentless pursuit of knowledge has earned him international acclaim, making him a respected authority on aging and longevity.
The Okinawan Longevity Phenomenon
Okinawa, often referred to as the 'Land of the Immortals' or 'Island of Longevity,' has captured the attention of scientists worldwide due to its unusually high concentration of centenarians. Researchers like Dr. Makoto Suzuki set out to investigate this phenomenon and explore the factors that contribute to the longevity of the Okinawan population.
Factors Contributing to Okinawan Longevity
Dr. Suzuki's research unveiled several key factors that play a pivotal role in the remarkable lifespan of the Okinawan people:
a. Diet: One of the cornerstones of Okinawan longevity is their traditional diet, which is rich in nutrient-dense, plant-based foods. Their diet emphasizes fresh vegetables, legumes, tofu, and pork, with minimal consumption of processed foods and saturated fats.
However, Dr. Suzuki always emphasizes that it is not about the ingredients. As long as you are eating real, whole foods and a balanced diet, how you eat is more important. This means eating with friends or family.
b. Lifestyle: The Okinawan lifestyle is characterized by physical activity, social engagement, and a strong sense of community. Traditional Okinawan practices, such as tai chi and communal gatherings, foster both physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Suzuki suggests making a moai (here are the rules you need to know when making a moai). A moai is an integral part of Okinawan culture and keeps up the strong social ties. To put it simply, it is a monthly gathering of individuals who trust each other. One thing you do NOT want to do, that we see too much of today, is cancel plans. Anyone can make a moai, and if you do make one in your own country, be sure to let Dr. Suzuki know. He would be delighted to hear about it.
c. Genetics: While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in longevity, Dr. Suzuki's research suggests that lifestyle and environmental factors significantly influence health span and life expectancy.
Dr. Suzuki says not to blame genetics. Not all Okinawans have the longevity gene, and now we know epigenetics can come into play. Epigenetics is when your lifestyle changes your genetic formation. You can literally change your genes for the good if you are living a positive, healthy lifestyle.
d. Purpose: Dr. Suzuki's motto is that if you are going to change anything, it should be creating your ikigai. Dr. Suzuki says the definition of ikigai is hard. It does not translate so nicely to 'reason for living' as it is deeper than that. The Okinawans have strong ikigai, or motivation to find joy throughout their lifetime, despite any setback they may encounter.
Finding a reason to live larger than yourself is free and can be done if you do just the first step: start thinking about what your ikigai might be. Once you take this first step and are determined to find your ikigai, you undoubtedly will reach it.
People from all over the world come to interview Dr. Suzuki and me about Okinawan longevity. 95% of interviewers ask about the ever-so mysterious concept of ikigai. It is a given that Dr. Suzuki loves asking each interviewer what their ikigai is. And yet, so many come unprepared to answer that question!
So, can you answer the question? What is your ikigai?
The Blue Zones Connection
Dr. Makoto Suzuki's findings on Okinawan longevity have led to intriguing parallels with other regions worldwide known as "Blue Zones." These are regions where a substantial number of centenarians and healthy elderly individuals reside. Dr. Suzuki's research has contributed to the understanding of common factors among Blue Zones, such as plant-based diets, active lifestyles, and strong social connections.
The Global Impact of Dr. Suzuki's Research
Dr. Suzuki's groundbreaking research on Okinawan longevity has inspired public health initiatives worldwide. His work has motivated governments, organizations, and individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and dietary practices to enhance quality of life and promote healthy aging.
Dr. Makoto Suzuki personally visited, examined, interviewed, and documented more than 3,000 centenarians over the course of 50 years! Those documents still exist today, yet all of it is primarily on paper. Recently, people have come out claiming Okinawan longevity is a scam, but that cannot be further from the truth. All it takes is a quick visit to Dr. Suzuki's office to learn that it is very real and nothing short of remarkable.
Watch a recent and exclusive interview with Dr. Makoto Suzuki right here! Yutashiku.