Secret Of Longevity

Bini Dahal

The world’s oldest person recently passed away at the age of 119. Kane Tanaka was a Japanese national, who died of old age in a hospital in Fukuoka city. Being a citizen of a country where the average life expectancy is 70 years, I get really surprised and curious when I read about such individuals. What could be the secret of a long life exactly? 

Tanaka is a representative of many Japanese people who enjoy a long life. Japan ranks the second in the globe for life expectancy and the average Japanese citizen lives to 85 years. The life expectancy for Japanese women is 88.1 years. Research has pointed out food to be a major contributor to all of this. Japanese meals are pesticide-free and organic. Also, the meal only has a little portion of red meat and sugar, prioritising more fish and seafood. 

Not just the food, the ancient concept of Ikigai is also crucial. Ikigai is a Japanese term: ‘iki’ means life and ‘gai’ refers to value or worth. It refers to something that gives a person a sense of purpose or gives a reason for living. According to news reports, this concept shows how the majority of people in Japan adopt a hobby that they are really into in a regular manner. 

Apparently, doing so can keep individuals interested, focused and satisfied, thus boosting Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) hormone. This helps ensure longevity. But for this, initially, an individual has to work on finding a purpose in his/her life. The purpose here acts like a pathway that gives direction to an individual and helps them keep going in any situation. 

While understanding the beautiful idea of Ikigai and the Japanese way of living, I came to realise that there exists a big difference between our and their lifestyles. Obviously, food is the first difference. Organic food items are rarely found in our country and we are forced to consume foods rich in pesticides. 

Also, our food intake consists of only delicious meals but not healthy ones. Anyone who eats healthy is not appreciated for his/her good habit. Instead, one is asked if s/he is 

dieting. Such unhealthy foods may cause deadly diseases like cancer and cardiovascular ailment to people. 

Looking at the practical implication of Ikigai in Nepal, very few people try to find a purpose in their life. Everyone here is trying their best to survive and shoulder huge responsibilities. Poverty and a lack of financial resources have led to the creation of a competitive society. A simple life gets all complicated when we are running something we wrongly call our purpose. This is evident in every generation, thus triggering an enormous tension, overwork and dissatisfaction in life. Such a complex approach prevents people from living a simple life. Also, it drastically reduces our longevity. 

After finding out about Japanese techniques for a long life, I have decided to at least incorporate certain habits that will help promote good hormones. Longevity is a great thing but I would follow this approach to making me feel more satisfied and happy throughout my life. Caring too much about living a long life could be distressing for the body and mind. So, it can have negative implications. Balance is what we require. While the quality is superior to the quantity or the number of years we live, having both would be a boon!