Riko Tanaka, an elderly woman in Fukuoka city, is one of the famous longevity stars in Japan. She was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest living woman in the world at the age of 116 in 2019. Although she passed away three years later, the secrets of her health and longevity are still remembered and learned by the people of Fukuoka.
Riko Tanaka was born on January 2, 1903. In the same year, the Wright brothers (USA) successfully experimented with the world’s first manned airplane. Over time, Riko Tanaka lived through five eras of Japan: Meiji (Enlightened Rule), Taisho (Great Righteousness), Showa (Enlightened Peace), Heisei (Achieving Peace) and Reiwa (Orderly Peace). Furthermore, she also defeated cancer twice and lived a healthy life until she passed away at the age of 119 in 2022.
What are her secrets to longevity?
When asked about the secrets to her long life, Riko Tanaka confidently said, “My method is to constantly ‘exercise my brain’!”
According to the staff at the nursing home where Riko Tanaka spent her last years, this 119-year-old woman was truly a master of Othello – a game that is beneficial for the mind. Riko regularly defeated all her friends at the nursing home. Not only that, she was also very good at mathematics.
Riko Tanaka herself stated that she always valued the flexibility of the brain and was always curious about disciplines that require thinking. During her years in the nursing home, Riko would wake up at 6 am and then dive into the fascinating world of mathematics and puzzles.
Sharing with reporters, Riko’s family also revealed that she used to have her own grocery store and managed it until the age of 103. Perhaps, doing mathematical calculations for this 119-year-old woman was not a burden but a joy in life.
Unlike letting the brain rest in old age, using the mind during this stage helps the elderly maintain alertness and effectively reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease, also known as senile dementia, is one of the most common diseases of old age. Therefore, preventing the onset of this disease is also a measure to help the elderly live longer. To prevent this disease, the elderly need to think and ponder more.
Using more brain power can promote blood circulation and nerve sensitivity in the brain. Only when the brain is healthy can people live longer. At an age rarely seen before, Riko Tanaka rarely rested and always engaged in mentally stimulating activities. This is also the secret that helped her stay healthy, mentally sharp, and live longer.
In addition, Riko’s family stated that an optimistic and positive attitude is also one of the keys to maintaining both physical and mental health. According to relatives, Riko always lived happily and was friendly to everyone. Her optimism and positivity also helped her defeat cancer twice. Although her health was not great in old age, her positive attitude allowed her to live her final years in peace and tranquility.
In reality, optimism is beneficial for both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that if a person wants to live a healthy life up to the age of 100, the role of psychological balance accounts for nearly 50%. A balanced diet accounts for about 25%, and other factors account for 25%. Many experts also believe that maintaining psychological balance is an effective method for extending longevity. Having a balanced mental state is holding the key to health and longevity.
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