Tomiko Itooka's Active and Adventurous Lifestyle
Tomiko Itooka's life was defined by a profound love for physical activity and adventure, a habit she maintained long after most people retire. Her family and longevity researchers point to her active spirit as a primary contributor to her health and happiness.
Mountaineering and Pilgrimages
Born in Osaka, Japan, in 1908, Itooka’s adventurous spirit was evident from a young age, and it never truly faded. While many people slow down in their later decades, Itooka embraced challenges.
- Mountain Climbing: In her 70s, she surprised her guide by climbing the 3,067-meter Mount Ontake twice, once in sneakers instead of traditional hiking boots. She also climbed other mountains like Mount Nijo during her later years.
- Pilgrimages: In her 80s, she completed the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage twice, a journey visiting 33 temples. This demonstrates not only physical endurance but also a spiritual and mental fortitude that contributed to her well-being.
- Ashiya Shrine Climb: Even at 100, she was able to climb the steep stone steps of the Ashiya Shrine without the assistance of a cane, a testament to her enduring strength.
The Role of an Active Japanese Lifestyle
Itooka's lifelong activity aligns with broader patterns seen in Japan, a nation with a high number of centenarians. Japanese culture often emphasizes daily, gentle movement, and elderly citizens often remain engaged in physical and community activities. This contrasts sharply with sedentary Western lifestyles that have been linked to poorer health outcomes.
The Dietary Habits of a Supercentenarian
While genetics are a crucial piece of the longevity puzzle, Itooka herself attributed her long life to two specific dietary items. Each morning, she enjoyed a banana and a popular Japanese lactic-acid beverage called Calpis.
The Banana and Calpis Diet
Her simple, daily routine included a morning ritual that researchers find intriguing.
- Bananas: As her favorite food, bananas provided her with a regular source of vitamins, fiber, and potassium. While not a miracle food, a balanced diet rich in fruit is a known factor in promoting overall health.
- Calpis: This yogurt-flavored fermented dairy drink is consumed widely in Japan. Research suggests that fermented foods, rich in lactic-acid bacteria, can be beneficial for gut health, potentially supporting a healthier immune system and overall vitality. While more research is needed, it represents a potentially positive dietary habit.
General Japanese Dietary Principles
Itooka's specific choices fit within a larger pattern of traditional Japanese dietary habits that are correlated with longevity. This includes an emphasis on:
- Fish and Vegetables: High intake of nutritious foods and low intake of red meat and sugar.
- Moderate Portions: A mindful eating culture, often summarized by the Confucian teaching of hara hachi bu, or eating until you are 80% full.
Mental Resilience and Social Connection
Living to 116 requires more than just a healthy body; a resilient and engaged mind is equally important. Itooka's life provides insights into the psychological aspects of healthy aging.
Life After Loss
After her husband died in 1979 following 51 years of marriage, Itooka lived alone for about a decade. Instead of becoming isolated, she continued her active, independent life, engaging in mountain climbing and pilgrimages. This resilience in the face of loss is a common trait among centenarians, who often find a renewed sense of purpose. In her later years, her continued gratitude towards her caregivers demonstrated her positive outlook.
The Importance of 'Ikigai' and Social Bonds
Japanese culture places great importance on ikigai, or a sense of purpose in life. For Itooka, this purpose was found in her family, her adventurous pursuits, and her ongoing engagement with her community. Many Japanese centenarians also benefit from strong social networks and close-knit communities (moai) that provide support and mental engagement throughout their lives.
Key Factors: Tomiko Itooka vs. Maria Branyas Morera
To better understand the various factors that influence extreme longevity, it is useful to compare Tomiko Itooka with her predecessor as the world's oldest person, Maria Branyas Morera, who died at 117.
| Factor | Tomiko Itooka | Maria Branyas Morera |
|---|---|---|
| Dietary Habits | Enjoyed a daily banana and the fermented dairy drink Calpis. | Attributed her health to yogurt and a Mediterranean-style diet. |
| Physical Activity | Extremely active, including climbing Mount Ontake twice in her 70s and long-distance pilgrimages in her 80s. | Followed a routine of moderate, daily exercise. |
| Genetic Predisposition | Implicitly a factor, but her personal choices are highlighted. | Studied by researchers who found genes that protected her from common ailments. |
| Mindset & Outlook | Described as having a positive outlook and showing gratitude to caregivers. | Maintained a positive outlook and kindness toward others. |
| Social Connection | Maintained strong family bonds and relied on caregivers in her final years. | Was socially engaged in her nursing home and appreciated family visits. |
Conclusion: A Blend of Nature and Nurture
The story of how Tomiko Itooka lived so long is a captivating blend of genetic lottery and conscious lifestyle choices. While her specific diet of bananas and Calpis might be unique to her, it points to a broader truth observed in many centenarians: a diet of wholesome, often traditional foods can contribute to health. Her lifelong commitment to an active, adventurous lifestyle—even in old age—is a powerful testament to the benefits of continuous physical movement. Finally, her mental resilience, positive outlook, and strong social connections provided the bedrock for a long and vibrant life. While no single secret guarantees extreme longevity, Itooka's life illustrates the potential of combining healthy habits with a resilient and grateful spirit. Her legacy offers a hopeful roadmap for those seeking to age gracefully and with purpose.
