{Every Sunday we hear the familiar sound of our 75+ year old neighbors outside riding their bikes
to play gateball, drinking, and yelling at each other in Japanese}
The richest cultural lessons are everywhere when we walk out our front door. Love our neighorhood!
Last night we went for a walk and found ourselves watching 80+ year olds playing baseball down the street. They were gooood! Really, really good and they moved like they were 30.
You’ve probably heard that Okinawa has one of the healthiest lifestyles and diets in the world with one of the longest lifespans ever. Our local friends told us that it’s common for 3 generations to live under one roof and that this little island has nearly 1,000 people over the age of 100. !
We have yet to see a convalescent home, and instead see 90-100 year olds walking the streets every night and riding bikes at a snail’s pace with a fully hunched over back. Isn’t that incredible?
Not that we’re anxious to live that long but it’s fascinating to come from the States to a place where natural food, fresh clean air, mountains, ocean, slow pace of life, active lifestyles and healthy elderly are in abundance.
Candice says
That's amazing and inspiring!
Definitely looks like a place I'd love to visit one day!!
Lauren says
Love this!!! I know where I'm retiring now!!!! 🙂
Sandra says
wow I'd love to hear their secret in staying fit and healthy! Must the simple and clean lifestyle over there.
Ash says
this seriously just makes me super happy.
hugest grin on my face right now (:
Allie says
Such dreamy photos. 🙂
Katie Cook says
lovey love this. sometimes the most beautiful sight is community in action, just being together, laughing together, and congregating. diving into the hidden art of home making…let's talk soon, muah!
laurenjeanallece says
Wow, how incredible! I can't even imagine what it must be like, to live so long and see so much change (and so fast!)
You're making me yearn for a trip to Oki like mad!
Eloquent English says
That's crazy! A lifestyle you can learn to maybe live over in the states one day. =) xoxo A-
Anonymous says
so wait – you are saying a lifestyle of fast food — soda — 60 hour weeks — sporadic vacations — long commutes and little-to-no sunlight a day is NOT the secret to a long life???????
DC is so screwed.
🙂 it's a good thing you left when you did. ~ lanneybear
Emily @ Emmy June says
I love Asia for this 🙂 Hopefully they'll never get **too** westernized. We need to be more like them!
L says
Sounds like America could learn so much from them!! Happy One Year in Okinawa! Makes me so happy that you have had this gift after being apart for so long. xo