Clipping Board » Eat Healthily ─ Introduction to healthy eating, medicinal cuisine, and health supplements
November 13, 2020, CommonWealth Happiness in Aging
Written by Li Yishu
Japan entered an aging society earlier than Taiwan and has now entered the "centenarian" era. Dr. Shirasawa Takuji, a leading Japanese expert in aging medicine specializing in longevity genes and Alzheimer's disease, and director of the Ochanomizu Longevity Health Clinic, noted that people used to refer to the time after retirement at 50 or 60 as "old age." However, many now live beyond 100 years, and some even climb Mount Everest in their 80s!
At the *CommonWealth* 4th Happiness in Aging Taiwan-Japan Exchange Forum, Dr. Shirasawa Takuji, through a pre-recorded video, explained in simple terms that by focusing on four key practices, one can prevent dementia, maintain mental clarity until 100, and live a healthy, long life.
**Staying Active in Society at 100**
He cited Japan’s "Active Centenarian Club" as an example, where the goal is to remain socially active even at 100, emphasizing the need for life planning to span a century. So, how can one stay energetic in their 80s and 90s? Dr. Shirasawa believes the priority is to prevent the decline of stem cells in old age and keep the brain youthful.
A woman who passed away at 105 donated her brain for medical research. It was discovered that her hippocampus—the key region for memory—remained filled with neural cells, indistinguishable from a young person’s brain. In her final years, she maintained energy levels comparable to a younger individual, proving that those with more stem cells can retain a remarkably youthful body.
**More Stem Cells, Younger Body**
To maintain stem cell levels, Dr. Shirasawa suggests focusing on these four areas:
1. **Chew thoroughly while eating to stimulate the brain.** Dr. Shirasawa pointed out that the world’s longest-living person, Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, lived to 122. Though nearly blind in her later years, her chewing ability remained impressive. Studies show that while chewing, only the motor neuron areas light up in 21-year-olds, but in those over 70, broader brain regions—such as the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, cerebellum, and occipital lobe—are activated.
This demonstrates that chewing slowly is a form of exercise that widely stimulates the brain. Additionally, adequate intake of vitamins B and D is crucial, as deficiencies can lead to declining stem cell counts.
2. **Create an engaging living environment and embrace new challenges.** German researcher Gerd Kempermann conducted experiments on mice to study conditions that increase stem cells. The findings showed that mice with opportunities to run and live in enriched environments (with toys and activities) had 5 to 10 times more stem cells than those limited to eating and sleeping.
Thus, post-retirement, maintaining hobbies and participating in activities like volunteering can significantly reduce dementia risk. For many men, tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry may be new experiences, and taking them up in retirement can activate previously unused parts of the brain.
3. **Walk daily to prevent needing nursing care.** Dr. Shirasawa emphasizes that maintaining cognitive function is essential, and regular walking contributes to longevity and health.
4. **Stay positive and proactive in life.** A forward-looking attitude is vital for preserving cognitive function. By doing so, the brain continuously receives stimulation, sustaining stem cell function and keeping the brain youthful.
Source: https:/ / health. udn. com/ healt……_ch1005cate5684_pulldownmenu
Previous topicNext topic
Chewing Carefully Can Prevent Dementia! Expert Shuji Shirakawa: 4 Keys to A Clear and Energetic Mind
Written by Li Yishu
Japan entered an aging society earlier than Taiwan and has now entered the "centenarian" era. Dr. Shirasawa Takuji, a leading Japanese expert in aging medicine specializing in longevity genes and Alzheimer's disease, and director of the Ochanomizu Longevity Health Clinic, noted that people used to refer to the time after retirement at 50 or 60 as "old age." However, many now live beyond 100 years, and some even climb Mount Everest in their 80s!
At the *CommonWealth* 4th Happiness in Aging Taiwan-Japan Exchange Forum, Dr. Shirasawa Takuji, through a pre-recorded video, explained in simple terms that by focusing on four key practices, one can prevent dementia, maintain mental clarity until 100, and live a healthy, long life.
**Staying Active in Society at 100**
He cited Japan’s "Active Centenarian Club" as an example, where the goal is to remain socially active even at 100, emphasizing the need for life planning to span a century. So, how can one stay energetic in their 80s and 90s? Dr. Shirasawa believes the priority is to prevent the decline of stem cells in old age and keep the brain youthful.
A woman who passed away at 105 donated her brain for medical research. It was discovered that her hippocampus—the key region for memory—remained filled with neural cells, indistinguishable from a young person’s brain. In her final years, she maintained energy levels comparable to a younger individual, proving that those with more stem cells can retain a remarkably youthful body.
**More Stem Cells, Younger Body**
To maintain stem cell levels, Dr. Shirasawa suggests focusing on these four areas:
1. **Chew thoroughly while eating to stimulate the brain.** Dr. Shirasawa pointed out that the world’s longest-living person, Frenchwoman Jeanne Calment, lived to 122. Though nearly blind in her later years, her chewing ability remained impressive. Studies show that while chewing, only the motor neuron areas light up in 21-year-olds, but in those over 70, broader brain regions—such as the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, cerebellum, and occipital lobe—are activated.
This demonstrates that chewing slowly is a form of exercise that widely stimulates the brain. Additionally, adequate intake of vitamins B and D is crucial, as deficiencies can lead to declining stem cell counts.
2. **Create an engaging living environment and embrace new challenges.** German researcher Gerd Kempermann conducted experiments on mice to study conditions that increase stem cells. The findings showed that mice with opportunities to run and live in enriched environments (with toys and activities) had 5 to 10 times more stem cells than those limited to eating and sleeping.
Thus, post-retirement, maintaining hobbies and participating in activities like volunteering can significantly reduce dementia risk. For many men, tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry may be new experiences, and taking them up in retirement can activate previously unused parts of the brain.
3. **Walk daily to prevent needing nursing care.** Dr. Shirasawa emphasizes that maintaining cognitive function is essential, and regular walking contributes to longevity and health.
4. **Stay positive and proactive in life.** A forward-looking attitude is vital for preserving cognitive function. By doing so, the brain continuously receives stimulation, sustaining stem cell function and keeping the brain youthful.
Source: https:/ / health. udn. com/ healt……_ch1005cate5684_pulldownmenu