The Secrets to Eternal Youth 2
Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences

There are more centenarians—people who have lived to be 100 years old—on the Japanese island of Okinawa than anywhere else in the world. They suffer fewer heart attacks and their rates of breast and prostate cancer are 80 percent lower than the U.S. They also have far fewer cases of diabetes.

Their secret? Residents of Okinawa rarely eat fast food, and they are a lot more active than Americans. They also have lower stress levels and a more relaxed lifestyle. The researchers also discovered six other things that most centenarians have in common, which we all could fit into our lifestyles.

1.
 They get more sleep. The centenarians simply go to bed earlier every night.
2.
 They are control freaks, tending to be very dominant and wanting their own way—but they also take responsibility for their own successes and failures.
3.
 They have good friends. Because many outlive family members, including their own children, they maintain a strong social support system, which includes attending church and spending time at senior centers.
4.
 They worry less, are adaptable, and are more resilient when it comes to change. They simply see setbacks as an opportunity to grow stronger.
5.
 They embrace spirituality. Almost all of them believe in God or have a strong faith, which helps them feel balanced and protected from life’s troubles.
6.
 They’re married. Married people tend to outlive single people, and they tend to take better care of their health—plus, having a spouse around means there’s someone who will notice any health problems early and will encourage them to see a healthcare provider before it’s too late.