Residents of Japan's Okinawa Islands are famously known for their longevity, and the locals give a few tips on the right foods to eat. YNN's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report. <\/p>\n
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OKINAWA ISLANDS -- Japans Okinawan island group has a global reputation for longevity, with a healthy number of elderly becoming centenarians. <\/p>\n
Rice farmer Hitoshi Nane, 78, can expect many more good years because his parents both lived to be 99. But Nane isn't counting on genes alone, so he doesn't stuff himself. <\/p>\n
\"People don't eat until they are full, but 80 percent full,\" Nane said through an interpreter. <\/p>\n
He also enjoys a stiff drink of awamori, the rice-based local alcoholic beverage. <\/p>\n
Nane lives on Iriomote, the largest island in Okinawa's Yaeyama Islands, where in the village, a group of octogenarians gather regularly for a game of \"gate ball.\" <\/p>\n
With the help of an interpreter, they share their tips for a long life. <\/p>\n
\"Smiling, talking to people, it's very good for health,\" said one elder. <\/p>\n
\"Take a nap. Also, I live by myself, so it's not stressful,\" said another. <\/p>\n
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\nTravel with Val: Okinawan elders share their secrets for healthy longevity<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"