Balanced lifestyle

There is no rest home in Bama. It is common to see five generations of one family living together harmoniously. All people there live peaceful lives without any tension. The only "competition" is the traditional folk song contest. All people, regardless of age, participate in the contest. It is the best entertainment for local people and is considered a good way to keep young, physically and mentally.

Natural conditions in Bama also contribute to the longevity of local people. Scientists found the content of manganese and zinc is extremely high in the soil of the northern mountain area, while that of copper and cadmium is low. Researchers said soil with a high content of manganese and a low content of copper could reduce the rate of cardiovascular diseases, while zinc can improve immunity.

Fresh air is considered to be another helpful factor. Most people in Bama live in the valley or by the riverside, where there is no pollution at all. Researchers said the content of negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter of air in Bama reaches 2,000 to 5,000, and the number is as high as 30,000 in some villages known for their aged inhabitants. In other areas, the content of negative oxygen ions is usually between 1,000 and 2,000. In addition, people in Bama are less exposed to solar radiation, which is good for health.

Research has shown lifestyle accounts for 60 percent of factors contributing to one's health and longevity. A healthy lifestyle could prolong one's life by at least 10 years. It also reduces one's chance of high blood pressure by 55 percent, chance of stroke by 75 percent, chance of diabetes by 50 percent and chance of cancer by nearly one third.

The World Health Organization has issued guidelines for a healthy lifestyle: regular diet, appropriate exercise, no smoking and limited drinking, and a balanced mind. The guidelines are in line with the traditional Chinese medical theories on maintaining health, said Hu Xiaofei, a professor at the Beijing Sport University, who has studied traditional Chinese methods of health preservation for more than 20 years.

In Hu's latest book, he introduces traditional health preservation theories and methods, based on the regimen of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty who died at 89 years old. Hu also created a set of exercise movements that can help to improve health and prolong one's life through three basic measures: mental activity, breathing and physical exercise.

By 2050, there will be 2.2 million centenarians [in the world, compared to 135,000 in 1998], that is one of every 5,000 people. The largest centenarian population in 2050 is projected to be in China. By 2050, Japan will have the highest proportion of centenarians, 2.6 per 1,000 of the total population.

Africa is the "youngest" major area of the world, with older persons making up 5 percent of the population in 1998. By 2050, Africa will still have a young age structure, with twice as many children (24 percent) as elderly (12 percent).

 Source: www.un.org

Numbers of centenarians

Sources: The Gerontological Society of China & Wikipedia