Blue Zones: Okinawa, JapanOkinawa is a popular island located in Japan. The island is commonly known for the health and longevity of its people. The island was once known as "the land of the immortals," according to the article on the Blue Zones (Okinawa Explorations) website. The age of the people living on the island is well beyond what we would consider old in the United States. The lifestyle of the people living in Okinawa definitely plays into the longevity of its people. According to an article on Okinawan longevity, Okinawan people reach old age by eating well, exercising, right attitude, maintaining a garden and having a support group of family and friends (Okinawan longevity). It can easily be said that the living rate of Okinawans is significantly higher than that of people living in America. That said, I think the American people should definitely consider adopting some of these features to extend their lifespan. According to the first chapter of the book “Back to Basics,” “In a population of one million, there are 900 centenarians.” (Back to Basics) I think a very important part of why Okinawan people are their diet. Okinawans follow a mostly plant-based diet and eat foods that are closest to their natural state. This is a great way to eat and can help prevent diseases such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Being obese and overweight can be extremely unhealthy. The leading cause of death was forms of heart disease in Okinawa along with age-related (longevity) deaths. Younger generations of people living on Okinawa are not as fortunate health-wise. The younger generations have become Americanized. By Americanizing, they have enough money to buy fattier foods and process them rather than vegetables. Fresh produce is often more expensive and supplied in smaller quantities. This is the culture America faces today and is one of the reasons obesity and mortality are such a big problem. I really enjoyed reading and researching Okinawan culture. It is a culture and lifestyle that is respectful and well lived. I would definitely consider making changes in my life to be more like the Okinawan people. I've already started eating more fruit and vegetables and trying to reduce the amount of fatty foods I eat. I would definitely recommend all people in America to do this. I would recommend making it in smaller portions so that it is more convenient. I also think an important part of Okinawan culture is regular exercise which I have also started to include in my life.