Okinawa Prefecture is located southwest of mainland Japan. The prefecture consists of 161 islands (44 inhabited and 117 uninhabited islands). Okinawa can be found between mainland Japan and Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean.

In 2006 the islands of Okinawa were estimated to have around 740 centenarians out of a population of 1.3 million. 90 percent of the centenarians were female.

The ongoing Okinawa Centenarian Study, headed by Dr. Makotu Suzuki, has come up with some very interesting reasons why it is that inhabitants of these Japanese islands live longer than anywhere else in the world.

There are 50 centenarians for every 100,000 people, which compares with a ratio of between 10 and 20 per 100,000 in most developed countries.

Dr Suzuki examined the lifestyle and genetics of more than 900 centenarians, as well as many more in their 70`s.

Rather than putting on weight as they got older, the researchers discovered that these people were still lean and fit. Their arteries were clean, and they had remarkably low rates of all types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Their minds were lucid, and proportionately fewer suffer from dementia compared to people living in other places.

Although genetics has a big part to play, it seems that the avoidance of tobacco, a good diet (low in calories) - consisting of plenty of vegetables and fruits, natural fiber, and good fats - along with moderation in the use of alcohol, all play a role in the health of Okinawans.

The study found something else of interest. Many inhabitants of the islands will stop eating once they are 80 percent full. As soon as they get the feeling they have eaten enough, they stop. That way they don`t overeat, which helps them to keep weight off, and reduces the burden on their digestives systems.

Finally, exercise doesn`t stop once a certain age is reached. Daily walking, traditional dancing and other activities help. They enjoy gardening, and naturally, homegrown produce is high on the list of foods on the dinner table.

One of the causes of death among many peoples is due to the effects of stress. Okinawans tend to be positive people, and women especially manifested strong social integration. Good health is, therefore, a good combination of mind and body.

The study showed that longevity is influenced by genes, diet, exercise, and a balanced way of dealing with stress.