Conference on the secret to Okinawan longevity held in Hawaii

Conference on the secret to Okinawan longevity held in Hawaii

The Uchinanchu Talk Story IV was held to talk about the secret to longevity in Okinawa on March 9 at the East-West Center of the University of Hawaii.


March 24, 2014 Chikako Nago, Correspondent of Ryukyu Shimpo

The Uchinanchu Talk Story IV was held on March 9 at the East-West Center of the University of Hawaii. This is the fourth time the organizers have held the conference. The previous conferences focused on the themes of the spirit of Okinawa, next generation of Uchinanchu and U.S. base issues. The World Uchinanchu Business Association, Akisamiyo Club and the East-West Center hosted the conference this time. The panelists exchanged opinions on the subject of the secret to longevity in Okinawa.

Over 100 people from various organizations including students of the University of the Ryukyus and the University of Hawaii took part in the conference.
Canadian twin brothers Craig and Bradley Willcox, who have been studying Okinawan secrets to longevity for a long time and published books, delivered a lecture. They talked about Okinawan longevity from the viewpoints of genetics, eating habits and lifestyle, exercise and Okinawan society.

Five panelists talked about the theme from their own perspective.
A personal trainer Mike Tengan who is the executive director of a nonprofit organization, stressed the importance of exercise through his experiences.
Ellen Higa, who has been a member of the Hawaii Parank Club for 25 years, said that playing parank relieves stress and provides a sense of community to members, who support each other and form friendships.

The head of the Lanakila Okinawa Nenchosha Club Jane Higa talked about getting physical exercise at a weekly Thursday gathering and also reciting poetry for happy living.

Financial Advisor Clegg Takara and Glen Goya talked about plans for each generation such as preparation for living expense after retirement and medical expense. After that, the participants discussed what happened in their lives, problems and how to solve them, and how long they want to live.

Hideki Kinjo who studies business in the University of Hawaii, said, “I did not know that Okinawan longevity attracted worldwide attention. I want to take another look at Okinawan diets that include many dark-green vegetables. It was important for me to discuss with people from different generations.”

(English translation by T&CT)

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