The fountain of youth. How to live longer yet live better. That’s the constant search, isn’t it? What we all wish we could get. What we so desperately want but think we have no idea how to achieve it.

We want to live to a “ripe, old age” but not if that comes with years of suffering. I know, for me, if I can only live well until I’m 80, then, please take me at 80! But if I can remain vibrant, active, able to do most/all of what I want, and my brain is functioning just fine, thank you very much? Then, absolutely, keep me going a decade or two longer.

The fountain of youth, in effect, already has been found. Those living on the island of Okinawa not only are some of the longest living on our planet, they also age well, remaining lean and energetic with a low rate of chronic disease.

How?

Genetics may be part, of course. But people from Okinawa prove that this isn’t the whole picture, and that we do, indeed, create our own wellness. When residents of that island moves to a Western environment with its corresponding different lifestyle habits, they lose their longevity edge. They succumb to the same illnesses and problems facing many of us.

So, what else matters?

Elderly Okinawans show lower levels of free radicals (which equals better heart health and less risk of cancer and other chronic disease) in their blood, mostly because they simply eat less. Their culture believes in eating only until you are 80 percent full.

Okinawans have clean, healthy arteries plus low levels of cholesterol and other heart-impacting values, which may decrease the risk of heart disease by up to 80 percent. The reasons? A healthy diet, high levels of physical activity, moderate alcohol use, no smoking and a positive attitude that reduces stress.

There is an 80 percent lower risk of breast and prostate cancer in Okinawans as well as a 50 percent lower risk of ovarian and colon cancer. Researchers believe this is because the island residents eat less, consume lots of fruit and vegetables, enjoy good fats in their diet, eat plenty of fiber and remain physically active.

Okinawans also experience fewer hip fractures than Americans. This may be due to a higher calcium intake, more exposure to vitamin D from the sun, and, yet again, spending more time off the proverbial couch.

Okinawans have more natural hormones – DHEA, estrogen and testosterone – than Americans of the same age, offering them health protection on many fronts. Diet and continued physical activity are thought to be the reason these remain higher.

Okinawans have been found to be generally unstressed and to maintain a positive outlook on life. They have strong coping skills and a deep sense of spirituality, meaning and purpose.

How can all this help you live longer and better? Begin adopting one of the ideas listed above. Don’t stuff yourself at meals. Tune into your spirituality more. Nurture a positive outlook. Get some sun. Eat more fruits and veggies, which give you natural fiber. Drop the bad fats, but keep the good ones like found in avocados and olive oil. Drink little; smoke not at all. Keep moving … always.

One step at a time; one change at a time, and you’ll be enjoying a longer, healthier, enjoyable life – without moving to Okinawa!