50 Secrets of the World's Longest Living People

by Sally Beare

Today we are living longer than ever before, and a few of us can expect to live to 100 or more. But many people feel that they will inevitably suffer the diseases of old age in their final years. Pharmaceutical companies have spent billions of dollars trying to find a cure for the "diseases of aging"—they may have found ways to stem some of the symptoms, but they have yet to find a panacea. Yet there are places in the world where, all along, people have commonly lived to 100 or more without suffering so much as a headache. How do they do it? The answer is simple: through sound dietary habits and balanced, healthy lifestyles. The 50 Secrets of the World's Longest Living People looks at the nutrition and lifestyle mores of the world's five most remarkable longevity hotspots—Okinawa, Japan; Bama, China; Campodimele, Italy; Symi, Greece; and Hunza, Pakistan—and explains how we too can incorporate the wisdom of these people into our everyday lives. It offers each of the secrets in detail, provides delicious, authentic recipes, and outlines a simple-to-master plan for putting it all together and living your best, and longest, life.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science, Nutrition, Diets, Self Help

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2005

Reviews

[Inggita · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's not that we haven't been told to eat all our edamame, but having all these tips on living healthy takes on a different meaning when it's told through the story of these peoples and their lifestyles (live long, chase women, and die painlessly). one key thing: the focus is on living healthily not merely living longer (Greek tragedy: mortal Tithonius granted eternal life but not eternal youth... imagine being old and senile forever!)

[Coen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book began my quest for finding out the healthiest lifestyle imaginable. It led me to raw foods which I later came to realize was my passion in life. I found this book in the bargain section of the local Barnes and Noble and I bought it because I thought it would be an interesting read and that I could perhaps implement some of the tips the book suggested for long life. Why not, huh? But as I read I found a pattern which led me to research more and more and that eventually led me to Dr. Ann Wigmore through research starting with Victoria Boutenko. What a ride it has been! This book will forever be close to my heart because of the long journey it has provided for me. Not to mention it helped me find my passion!

[deleted d · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't find a kindle version so I went ahead and read reviews of the book, trying as best I can to take notes and learn.

Very interesting, fascinating I might add, this book is worth its weight in gold if you actually implement it's advice.

Here's some notes I've taken:
- Diet: tons of veggies*, 80% full*, virgin olive oil, handful buts+seeds, glass red wine, lots of water, garlic, green tea*, fast once a week, organic, grass fed
- lifestlye: 2 close friends, relax, meditate, exercise/walk daily*, believe in god, laugh, help and volunteer , enough sleep, , get a wife or a dog, deep exogyen breaths, pray,
- stress causes 60%+ of all diseases


It's not only about how long you live, it's about quality as well!

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book can really motivate you to eat better. That said, it is a bit repetitive and also too self-asured. I have to admit I haven't read all the footnotes, so maybe the studies are there, but I feel it really lacks a strong scientific foundation. Regardless, it is hard to argue with the basic principles & it has had me eating a lot better since I picked it up.

[Robb Geweniger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough. Doesn't really offer any information not already available in other places, but discusses how people in a number of places tend to live much longer than the average inhabitant of this planet. Also offers a handful of recipes to help someone develop a 'food' lifestyle that might keep them around a little longer. Very readable. Sometimes very interesting.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book! I've made a lot of changes physically -what I eat - and mentally - how I view food and especially the food that is in our Standard American Diet (SAD). It's a very interesting read and great resource. Plus, it has some recipes at the end I am eager to try.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent material in a very readable format. I took many notes and went off on some research tangents!

[Mar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super boring, most of the advice is pretty common: eat more vegetables, etc. The book contains fear mongering around GMO and inorganic foods, which is unscientific and upholds juice cleanses which are pointless.

[Kirsti Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fabulous book!!! I've read many health related books, but this one actually motivated me to start a new healthy regime in my family (once we have a kitchen again, that is). Not only is this book fascinating, but it also gives practical useful information on how to become a healthier, happier person.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real surprises in this book. But it was okay to pick up as a reminder of good habits.

[Joe · Rating 2 out of 5]

comes down to eat veggies and excercise

[Andrea]

Kirsti says it's fabulous, therefore, I must read it!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Very motivating.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Moral of the story: eat right, exercise, and reduce stress. The book highlights five locations and their stories are the same so the message was consistent but lackluster pages.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds you of healthy eating habits. A little repetitive at times but overall I thought it was in informative book with good ideas for food choices.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't overeat. Don't drink much tea or coffee.

Exercise regularly.

Drink plenty of water.

Explore aerobic exercise - anything that makes you out of breath.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because I was curious about the things that help people live longer. I have already read a book on Okinawa and how there are many centenarians in Okinawa. They consider 65 years to be really young. Many people are quite healthy in Okinawa, if they are not eating the Standard American Diet. They eat a lot of vegetables, get adequate exercise that does not involve going to a gym, and also, are not stressed. They are much more relaxed and calm kind of people. Okinawans were not the ones mentioned for longest living people. There are other parts of the world, where there are centenarians as well. I think having a healthy lifestyle that involves eating lots of vegetables, eating fruit, exercising, relaxing and not stressing is important. I know that having healthy social interactions is also important to live longer. Also, doing mental puzzles can help with having a healthy brain. I love to play Scrabble and Scrabble is a game that can lower your risk of mental illness. This game can help your brain stay sharp. Scrabble involves a lot of thinking and strategies. Socializing and learning something new are also very important things for having a fulfilling life. Doing new things with friends can help you double the benefits. I know that sleep is also very important for your health and brain. There are so many factors that contribute to helping you be healthy and live longer. I hope that I am able to do most of the things that will contribute to improving my health and enriching my life.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent dissertation on bringing many simple diets together. Recommendations are sensible, common sensical, and relatively easy to incorporate as an organic process. I read this book over a long period of time, making it more relevant and highly accessible for inspiration. This can be a companion book. Diet is a touch and go topic that's taken personally, but aside from emotional attachment, it's science and being aware of basic nutrition. By giving the body what it needs, rather than what it wants, anyone can begin visiting their dirty over and over again. It's never too late to change course and take a step in the right direction. This is great book to keep around and reference, especially because there are recipes, other sited sources and reading material, and people proving that living sustainably, happily, and simply is the easiest and most rewarding path. There are a few elements I'm hesitant to agree with, but overall, a feast for the mind, body, and spirit.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really informative and great for beginners looking into a healthier lifestyle. I already knew about most of the “secrets” and have implemented a lot into my own lifestyle over the last 5 years. It was satisfying to see most of the changes I have made in my life presented in this book. It was easy to read and full of valuable knowledge that others can find beneficial.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to learn about the Okinawan people and the other people groups she discussed. Good ideas and information about their eating and life habits. Some references and evidence to back up her proposals, but a bit dated at this point. As usual, fruits and vegetables win the day. Pesticides and processed foods are not good for us. Many similarities to Dr. Gundry.

[Andre · Rating 1 out of 5]

Google the subject and save your money

[Jasmine DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great reminder that the foods you eat are one of the main factors to quality of life! Interesting and informative read.

[Beth Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some interesting information in this book, and the author does draw some correlations among the five longest lived people's. That's why I purchased the book. But it's not really 50 of their secrets. It's a handful of their secrets and a few dozen items the author throws in there that don't really correlate with the people. And some recommendations that seemed incorrect or at least debatable (e.g., Saturated fat is evil! Well maybe not...Etc). Decent book, just not what I expected.

[Choral · Rating 2 out of 5]

In general terms the book is good, it does provide easily digestible information. I did put it down after several times I came across some information that is simply a perpetuated myth or reference to a study that is heavily criticised. However ratio of bad info to good info is not too bad. It certainly could be a good starting point for many folks who want to find out about nutrition.

[Ed Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good information about eating healthy foods. Lots of good recipes if you have an interest in Japanese food.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite interesting and good tips on eating and doing things to make yourself feel better and live better. Some are common sense but some new tips and a reinforcer on what to do and what not to do.

[Annie Kostyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book noting all of the longevity secrets around the world. Lots of recipes to get your creative juices flowing. Super easy to read with scientific facts, but in layperson's terms.