Japan is home to the most centenarians per capita and there are approximately 450 people over the age of 100 on the island of Okinawa.
The Okinawan tradition of forming a moai, or a gathering of people, provides secure social networks. These safety nets lend financial and emotional support in times of need and give all of their members the stress- shedding security of knowing that there is always someone there for them. The concept of “Ikigai” is also omnipresent; older Okinawans can readily articulate the reason they get up in the morning. Their purpose-imbued lives gives them clear roles of...