In this day and age, with our modern lifestyle, it’s uncommon to know elderly adults to live past 100. Longevity in seniors seem to be highly valued because it’s rare. However, there are many areas in the world where there are communities of these centenarians. This is why many scientists and researchers are curious to find out what their secret is. 

One research focused on Okinawa, in Japan. Here, Japanese centenarians are common. Longevity in seniors is common in these communities in Japan. Researchers studies over 900 seniors to see their lifestyle habits, nutrition, and what has kept them from developing chronic diseases.

Here is what these scientists found out about longevity in seniors:

1. Activity. Japanese seniors particularly in Okinawa are active all throughout their lives. And this doesn’t even just mean a gym membership. They do daily chores, garden, walk, farm, or build. In Okinawa, there are not a lot of cars, so many get around by walking. They carry burdens as a form of exercise.
2. Diet. Their diet is widely plant-based. Seniors eat a healthy supply of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, including non-genetically altered soy products. There’s not a lot of salty or sweet, sugary foods in their diet, and they refrain from alcohol.
3. Moderation. Okinawans do not overeat. They only eat until they are 80% full, and their maximum amount of calories is 1,800 daily. Combined with physical activity, this keeps them in the right weight.
4. Vitamin E. Researchers found out that Japanese seniors have a diet rich in Vitamin E. This vitamin is rick in antioxidants that fight free radicals that contribute to aging and many diseases. They also don’t develop dementia.
5. Values and Socializing.  Okinawans have high regard for their elderly. This also makes communities a happy, fulfilling and thriving place for the elderly to feel valued.

These 5 things are pretty much very simple things to observe, but once done, can truly contribute to a healthier, longer life.