China

What is the secret of China's centenarians from Bama Yao County

FROMThe secret of longevity is probably the most ancient and obsessive idea of mankind. Whether it's genetic research seeking to discover the "magic formula", enterprising entrepreneurs selling diet and wellness packages, or a spiritual thirst for universal wisdom, it's clear that we all want to take a bite of our youthful slice of the heavenly pie.

Chinese Longevity Village in Bama Yao County

In a small article on this site, which reflects the real level of life expectancy, it is said that according to this indicator, China ranks only 61 out of 191 countries and administrative area. However, the myth about the general longevity of the inhabitants of China cannot in any way affect the existence of individual centenarians or even entire settlements in China with such a group of inhabitants.

This can be confirmed by the area called Guangxi Zhuang (GZAR), or rather the residents of Guangxi in the Autonomous Prefecture of Bama Yao in China, also known as the Chinese "Longevity Village".

Territory with the highest percentage of centenarians in China was the focus of several dozen scientific studies on longevity, and at first even benefited somewhat from the crowds of tourists who aspire there for the sake of interest in knowing this amazing phenomenon.

 

centenarians village
A real longevity village in China

Here is a photo to understand what this "village of longevity" is. I want to say right away that this village should not be confused with a village somewhere near Tula or Bryansk or Saratov.

What scientists say about the phenomenon of the inhabitants of Bam Yao

Naturally, the phenomenon of the residents of the “longevity village” did not go unnoticed by the press, both scientists and ordinary residents of the Celestial Empire.

The village of centenarians in the mountains
Life in a remote area imposes its features on residents

Back in the 90s of the XX century, Dr. Yang Ze from the Institute of Geriatrics in Beijing began to study the villagers, their habits and traditions. As a result of the study, he identified and noted some important points in their lifestyle.

Key moments of lifestyle in the "village of centenarians"

  • They followed a simple diet high in vegetables and low in animal protein, salt and sugar.
  • The elderly were not alone, they were surrounded by family and their community.
  • They were physically active, working on farms, the river, or in vegetable gardens until the age of 90 or more.
  • In general, they were calm, contented with life and had few worries and desires.

Apart from certain environmental features, such as isolated location in the mountains and relative isolation from the rest of society, there is little in their way of life that we cannot implement in our daily lives. It is undeniable that diet is important, but you also need to understand that diet is nothing without ingrained peaceful habits, a measured lifestyle and a certain state of mind.

Tips and secrets of centenarians from Bama Yao

As a rule, we expect and want to hear some secret ingredient from real centenarians. However, in practice, everything turns out to be much simpler and ... more confusing. We can recall the advice of the centenarians of Spain about the need to drink a considerable amount of red wine throughout life and moreover every day.

Old Man Chinese
One of the inhabitants of the famous village

But, let's see what centenarians from China will advise us. Perhaps their advice is something special and really contains the secret of longevity.

“Be a good person. The heart should be kind,” said Huang Puxin, 113 years old.

“Eat simple, organic foods. I eat a lot of boiled corn. In general, I am not picky about food,” continued Huang Macan, 108 years old.

“Work every day and walk every day,” added Huang Meijian, 99.

Unfortunately, Bam Yao's reputation has gradually become a double-edged sword. With the growth of the tourist flow and, as a result, the growth of funds among the inhabitants of the region, their lifestyle has changed over the past few decades.

The villagers learned what the increased environmental pollution is, and they began to consume more refined foods and animal products.

And most likely it is no coincidence that the proportion of long-livers in the "village" has sharply decreased. There is a real paradox that the long life of the inhabitants of Bam Yao can be explained by limitation, not abundance.

However, for those of us who are looking for the right life for longevity, there are obvious clues that we can learn from the experience of the people of Bama Yao County in China. Now it seems that the secret to longevity is not a secret at all. The question arises: why is it difficult for us to live so simply?

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