Doctor Who Studied Longevity And Lived To 105 Shares His Simple Secrets To A Long Life

The secret to living a long life doesn’t appear to be an exact science. When those who make it past a century are asked for their secrets, the answers can range from bizarre dietary habits, to avoiding the opposite sex, to drinking a glass of red wine a day. After all, everyone’s health is a little different, and there are a lot of variables along the way.

However, if there’s one person you definitely should listen to on this subject, it’s a Japanese doctor by the name of Dr Shigeaki Hinohara.

As one of the most respected medical professionals in his country, Dr Hinohara spent many years studying longevity, and himself lived to be 105 before passing away recently. In his long and illustrious career, Dr Hinohara has been credited with building the foundations of Japanese medicine and helping make Japan the world leader in this field, before finally passing away in July 2017.

The renowned physician, chairman emeritus of St. Luke’s International University, and honorary president of St. Luke’s International Hospital, was asked for his secret to a long life, and came up with some basic tips in order to live to a ripe old age.

He was interviewed by Japan Times journalist Judit Kawaguchi, and outlined his theories – namely, that people should worry less, should not retire, maintain a healthy weight, have fun, always take the stairs, and don’t blindly follow what your doctor says.

It’s refreshing to hear that last comment coming from a doctor! Another piece of advice that stuck out that stuck out was his advice not to retire. In the interview, it was explained that the retirement age in Japan was set at 65-years-old during a time the average life expectancy was 68-years-old – so with the life expectancy much higher now he says people should work longer.

He seems to follow the theory that keeping working until old age is good for you, as it keeps us active and our minds sharp. Up until his death the doctor worked up to 18 hours a day and kept an appointment book with space up to five years ahead. Now that really is working hard! I don’t know if I’d recommend that, but hey – he’s the doctor.

Judit, who interviewed Dr Hinohara, told the BBC: “He believed that life is all about contribution, so he had this incredible drive to help people, to wake up early in the morning and do something wonderful for other people.

“This is what was driving him and what kept him living. He always had today’s goals, tomorrow’s, and the next five years.”

This is a great way to approach life, and it obviously paid off for the doctor as well.

So, let’s recap on his advice, with some quotes from the man himself:

Worry less about eating well or getting more sleep, and have fun: “We all remember how as children, when we were having fun, we often forgot to eat or sleep. I believe that we can keep that attitude as adults, too. It’s best not to tire the body with too many rules such as lunchtime and bedtime.”

If you want to live long, don’t be overweight: “For breakfast I drink coffee, a glass of milk, and some orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil in it. Olive oil is great for the arteries and keeps my skin healthy. Lunch is milk and a few cookies, or nothing when I am too busy to eat. I never get hungry because I focus on my work. Dinner is veggies, a bit of fish and rice, and, twice a week, 100 grams of lean meat.”

Don’t blindly follow what your doctor says: “When a doctor recommends you take a test or have some surgery, ask whether the doctor would suggest that his or her spouse or children go through such a procedure. Contrary to popular belief, doctors can’t cure everyone. So why cause unnecessary pain with surgery? I think music and animal therapy can help more than most doctors imagine.”

To conquer pain, have fun: “Pain is mysterious, and having fun is the best way to forget it. If a child has a toothache, and you start playing a game together, he or she immediately forgets the pain.”

Always take the stairs and carry your own belongings: “I take two stairs at a time, to get my muscles moving.”

Well, there you have it, folks. All of these small things make a big difference when combined together. Even if you don’t live to be 105, this list will make the time you do have a lot more enjoyable!

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