In Bama they…
Remain very physically active, fit and trim throughout their lives – even people aged over 100 can be found chopping firewood, gardening, and climbing the steep mountain hillsides to tend their terraced crops.
Bama people also enjoy competitive sports such as hunting, archery and tug of war. Sports are vigorous but not overly excessive – just the right level for good health. Chen Jinchao, the director of the Bama Longevity Research, points out that the heart should not beat more than 120 times per minute during exercise or the aging process can actually be accelerated.
What we can do:
- Take regular exercise throughout our lives – it’s never too late to start. Avoid extreme exertion – athletes are known to have poor immune systems.
In Bama they…
Believe in doing good deeds for others throughout the day.
What we can do:
- Try out the motto ‘giving is receiving’ as often as possible – scientific studies show it lengthens life to be kind and unselfish towards others.
In Bama they…
Have respect for their elders and always give them the VIP seat at the dinner table.
What we can do:
- Remember that old people have seen more than ourselves, and that we will be old one day too – therefore treat old people as we would wish to be treated ourselves when we get there.
In Bama they…
Get along with their families – you often find five generations living under one roof in Bama, with a supercentenarian at the top and babies at the bottom, all co-existing harmoniously.
What we can do:
- Nurture relationships with people we get along with, whether that be family, friends, or romantic partners.
In Bama they…
Keep their brains agile throughout their lives with chess, mah jong, and folk-singing competitions. There is no dementia in Bama.
What we can do:
- Practice mental gymnastics by reading, playing brain games, and taking up hobbies such as singing or doing crosswords.
In Bama they…
Breathe clean mountain air high in negative ions, which are known to have a positive effect on physical and mental health.
What we can do:
- If you live in an area with clean air or have frequent access to such a place, you are lucky. Those of us who suffer from respiratory problems or live in a polluted area may benefit from one of the many home air purifiers on the market which remove particulate matter and generate negative ions. These machines range from small and inexpensive to larger and more expensive.
In Bama they…
Get plenty of anti-cancer, bone-building vitamin D by being out in the sunny outdoors every day.
What we can do:
- Experts recommend 20 minutes of daylight each day in order to get our required amount of vitamin D, the ‘sunshine’ vitamin.
In Bama they…
Practice Taoism, an ancient philosophy espousing health and longevity, compassion, moderation and humility as well as nature and the relationship between humanity and the cosmos.
What we can do:
- Explore spiritual, philosophical or religious beliefs and ways of life which suit us and help us to feel happy and fulfilled.
