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Japanese Doctor Who Lived To Be 105 Has Tips To Live Longer

Japanese Doctor Who Lived To Be 105 Has Tips To Live Longer

He worked up 18 hours a day and ate healthily

Rachael Grealish

Rachael Grealish

Many of us would love to see the other side of 100, but sadly without a magical elixir of life we're all destined to succumb to old age.

However, there's nothing stopping us living long, healthy lives, especially if we follow the teachings of one 105-year-old doctor who has a short set of rules to live by.

Dr Shigeaki Hinohara spent many years studying longevity (long life) - in fact, 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 came up with some basic tips in order to live a longer life.

Dr Shigeaki Hinohara.
ANN News

He was interviewed by Japan Times journalist Judit Kawaguchi in which he outlined his theory and said people should worry less, don't retire, be a healthy weight, have fun, always take the stairs and don't blindly follow what your doctor says.

One that stuck out was the whole not retiring thing.

In the interview it was explained to Judit 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.

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.

Judit 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."

About some of his guideline's Dr Hinohara said:

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."

Featured Image Credit: Credit: Karsten Thormaehlen (Creative Commons)

Topics: World News, Japan, Healthy, Health