The following article appeared in the Telegraph last Thursday. I found it very interesting.
A new study has suggested that drinking moderately could be the key to enjoying a longer life. But what other measures do experts consider beneficial in enjoying a long and healthy retirement? Here are some tips gleaned from the longest living communities in the world.
:: On the Greek island of Ikaria, which has the largest proportion of 90-year-olds in the world, locals are famed for drinking a thick mountain herbal tea. The drink, which is consumed several times a day, contains a variety of dried herbs including wild mint, rosemary, purple sage and spleenwort.
:: Due to the mountainous geography of the island and lack of transport options, locals are forced to remain active later in life, taking regular exercise well into their 80s and 90s.
:: The Icarian diet also contains large amounts of olive oil, fruit and vegetables and very little processed food.
:: Residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa also enjoy among the world's longest lifespans. Researchers believe this could be down in part to the way they consume food, rarely overeating and finishing a meal when they are 80 per cent full.
:: Locals also eat a diet heavy on grains, fish and vegetables and tend to steer clear of meat, eggs and dairy food.
:: On the Italian island of Sardinia, where there are high number of centenarians, inhabitants drink wine made from grapes which are very rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that help slow the ageing process.
:: In the Hunza Valley in Pakistan people routinely live into their 90s, which researchers believe could be due to their diet of fruit, grain and vegetables. Many of their plants are eaten raw and they also eat high proportions of apricots, cherries, grapes, plums and peaches.
:: The Vilcambamba region of southern Ecuador, claims to have large numbers of people reaching their 100th birthday in good health. Some have attributed this longevity to their consumption of a natural mineral water, which is remarkably free from impurities.
:: In Loma Linda in California a community of Seventh Day Adventists enjoy a lifespan between five and 10 years longer than their fellow citizens. Researchers have put this down to the fact they do not drink or smoke and have a vegetarian diet.
:: Others have attributed their longevity to the low levels of stress and anxiety present among members of the community.
