Cardiovascular disease is still the number one killer disease in Indonesia, followed by other chronic diseases. This makes the average life expectancy of humans in Indonesia only in their 70s, according to data on the Central Statistics Data page.
This figure is quite far when compared to the average life expectancy of people in Japan, especially Okinawa. As a Blue Zone region, Okinawa has residents with an average lifespan of 100 years or more.
Japanese Longevity Tips
Quoted from the Eat This website, they have become the focus of learning about longevity and the secret to living a healthier life, one of which is healthy eating habits with the 80/20 rule, which has long been the main pillar of public health in Okinawa.
Furthermore, according to research published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Okinawans will stop eating when they are 80% full. In other words, they don't try to fill their stomachs 100% when they eat food.
When they reach 80% fullness, they will eat slowly to let the brain know that they are full. This will help them prevent overeating.
Research in The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, also says that 20% remaining hunger can make a significant difference in weight loss or weight gain.
In addition, according to the official website of The Blue Zones, traditional Japanese food is mostly food that prevents disease. In other words, they see food as a preventive medicine.
When it comes to portion sizes, Okinawans vary in size throughout the day. According to Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner, Okinawans and most other Blue Zone residents eat a small lunch or dinner early and then stop eating afterward.
Of all these facts, there is one surprising fact about Okinawans. That said, they don't just believe in healthy eating. However, they believe that things like community, finding and realizing goals, reducing stress as much as possible, and caring for others can prolong their life.