The world’s oldest man just turned 112. What’s his secret?
A typical breakfast in Okinawa, Japan. (Photo: Martin Irwin /Getty Images)
Happy birthday to the oldest living man in the world! Sakari Momoi of Tokyo, Japan turned 112 on Thursday, February 5th. Notably, the oldest woman in the world, 116-year-old Misao Okawa — who was born in 1898! — is also Japanese. Is this the secret to longevity?
Much has been written about the long lives of Japanese people, who seem to enjoy full, active lives without rampant disease well into their 90s and even 100s. In the 2002 book “The Okinawa Program,” authors explain how the residents of this Japanese island chain avoid obesity, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and other “elderly” diseases that Western societies take for granted as unavoidable.
Sakari Momoi is recognized by the Guiness Book Of World Records as being the world’s oldest man. (Photo: Guiness World Records)
The secrets seem to be three-fold: First, Japanese people eat low-sugar, plant-based diets without processed foods and junk. This dramatically lowers their risk for inflammatory diseases and cancer. Younger generations who are now adopting more Western diets are seeing sharp increases in obesity and heart disease.
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The pace of life is often slower in Japan, especially among older residents who didn’t grow up surrounded by advanced technology. (Younger Japanese people, however, are increasingly experiencing extreme amounts of stress thanks to globalization.) Meditation and practices such as tai chi, part of many Japanese elders’ way of life, have been shown in studies to thicken the brain (this is a good thing) and increase cognitive function. Staying active through activities such as gardening and walking also seems to play a big role in Japanese longevity. With all the research coming out about how being sedentary all day long is terrible for health, this only makes sense.
And finally, a solid network of friends and family is also a factor. Social support reduces stress, loneliness and isolation—all breeding grounds for disease.
Momoi reportedly still participates in activities that keep his body and mind working, such as throwing a ball and calligraphy. It’s a great reminder for Americans to put down the smart phones, get up from their desks and pick up a stimulating hobby.
You might just live longer because of it.
