Elderly Japanese

This woman is not bending, she’s permanently hunched over. We see this all the time. Little old ladies, (and I mean little, Roo is almost taller) walking down the uneven sidewalk with their roller cart and hand bag draped elegantly in the bend of their elbow. When we visited rural Sado Island both Ryan and I were amazed each time we saw an arthritic looking elderly woman walking along the rural road, probably to the market, some with a walker or cane, and of course, their handbag. Japanese woman have the longest life expectancy in the world and have held this position for the past few decades. Per news reports, a centurion in Japan is not uncommon. Most information on the topic tends to credit this longevity to a diet low in fat, devoid of red meat, and high in fish. I don’t quite buy that explanation. It’s true, there isn’t much red meat and there are a lot of creatures from the sea in Japanese food. However, it doesn’t seem low fat to me. In fact, “fry” is one of the five ways of preparation necessary to engage all the senses and achieve “wa” or “harmony” at the table. Abura age (fried tofu), fatty chicken skin, tonkatsu (fried breaded pork), and tempura are just a few that quickly come to mind. And, there’s plenty of refined carbohydrate consumption as white rice, noodles, or both are enjoyed at most meals, including breakfast. Even with the fat and refined carbs, I imagine variety from land and sea, portion control, and a decent amount of enzyme rich foods promote their achievement of old age. But, I can’t help think there must be more to it than food. The determination it must take for these elderly woman with their bent bodies to walk to the market, buy their daikon, cabbage, tofu, and then walk home and fix food! In my western mind I catch myself thinking “can’t someone give her a ride?” or “where is meals on wheels?”, but….., I guess that’s why they live to 100. They keep moving their legs and using their skills. And they and their roller cart will cut you off in line at the vendor stall if they want first look at the cabbages, bless their heart!