Tomiko Itooka, who briefly held the title of the world's oldest living person, lived to the remarkable age of 116, a feat that captured the attention of many. While genetics undeniably play a significant role in extreme longevity, her story highlights lifestyle choices that may have contributed to her extended healthspan. Itooka's publicly discussed "secrets" point to a simple, consistent routine focusing on diet and physical movement.
The Nutritional Habits of Tomiko Itooka
Unlike complex dietary protocols, Itooka's approach to food was simple and consistent. She repeatedly mentioned two specific items she consumed daily: bananas and a Japanese drink called Calpis.
Bananas: A Simple Source of Nutrients
Itooka's fondness for bananas is a testament to the fruit's nutritional value. Bananas are a great source of potassium, vital for heart health, nerve function, and blood pressure regulation. They also provide natural energy and essential vitamins. For a person of advanced age, a banana offers easily digestible carbohydrates and fiber, supporting digestive regularity.
Calpis: The Probiotic Connection
The other key component of Itooka's daily routine was Calpis, a milky, non-carbonated soft drink popular in Japan, known for its yogurt-like flavor. Calpis is made through a fermentation process involving lactic acid bacteria. Research into the benefits of fermented foods and probiotic intake, particularly for gut health, is a growing field.
- Digestive Health: Probiotic-rich foods can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Immune Support: A healthy gut microbiome is linked to a stronger immune system.
- Inflammation Reduction: Some studies suggest fermented drinks and dairy may reduce chronic inflammation.
A Lifetime of Physical Activity
Beyond her daily dietary habits, Tomiko Itooka was known for her active lifestyle, which she maintained for decades. Physical activity is a well-documented factor in promoting longevity.
- Mountaineering: Itooka was an avid mountaineer in her younger years.
- Pilgrimages: She completed long pilgrimages in her 80s.
- Everyday Movement: She remained physically capable in her centenarian years.
How Itooka's Lifestyle Compares to Other Longevity Factors
While Itooka's specific diet was unique, her overall lifestyle aligns with several established longevity principles observed in global "Blue Zones" and supercentenarians. This comparison helps place her specific habits in a broader scientific context.
| Longevity Factor | Tomiko Itooka's Lifestyle | Blue Zone Principles | Scientific Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diet | Simple, consistent diet of bananas and a fermented drink (Calpis). | Plant-based diet, legumes, fermented foods, moderate intake. | Supports gut health, provides essential nutrients, lowers disease risk. |
| Physical Activity | Avid hiker and mountaineer, continued consistent movement in later life. | Constant, low-intensity movement integrated into daily life. | Offsets sedentary behavior, improves cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation. |
| Genetics | Unspecified, but likely significant given her advanced age. | Supercentenarians often have unique genetic markers protecting against common ailments. | Dictates a predisposed potential for extreme longevity. |
| Purpose (Ikigai) | Her passion for hiking and activity likely provided purpose and engagement. | Strong sense of purpose (Ikigai in Japan) linked to lower stress and longer life. | Reduces cortisol levels, fosters social engagement, and promotes mental well-being. |
| Social Connection | While not a highlighted factor, social engagement is common in Japanese culture and among centenarians. | Robust social networks and strong community ties. | Provides emotional support and reduces feelings of isolation. |
Conclusion: More than Just Bananas and Calpis
While Itooka's specific diet was unique, her extraordinary lifespan was likely a combination of factors. Her story illustrates how simple, consistent routines, particularly focusing on diet and physical movement, can contribute to a long and healthy life. Her active lifestyle was a powerful reminder of the importance of consistent physical activity. Her potential genetic predispositions also likely played a major role. While no single food or drink guarantees extreme longevity, Itooka's example reinforces the value of a balanced diet, consistent movement, and a healthy gut microbiome.
One researcher cautioned against taking health advice solely from centenarians due to survivorship bias. However, Itooka's habits align with established principles of healthy living. For more on the scientific principles behind longevity, you can refer to the informative article from Business Insider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomiko Itooka and Longevity
Q: How old was Tomiko Itooka when she passed away? A: Tomiko Itooka passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 116 years and 220 days.
Q: Did Tomiko Itooka have any other special habits? A: Beyond her famous diet, Itooka was known for her lifelong commitment to physical activity, including hiking and mountaineering, which she continued well into her later years.
Q: What exactly is Calpis? A: Calpis is a popular, milky, non-carbonated Japanese beverage made with a fermentation process involving lactic acid bacteria, giving it a unique yogurt-like flavor.
Q: Is there any scientific evidence linking Calpis and longevity? A: Research suggests that the lactic-acid bacteria found in fermented products like Calpis can benefit gut health, and some studies are exploring the connection between gut health and longevity. However, more investigation is needed.
Q: What is a supercentenarian? A: A supercentenarian is a person who has lived to or passed the age of 110.
Q: How did Itooka stay so active in her old age? A: Itooka demonstrated sustained activity over many decades. A notable example is her climbing the long stone steps of Ashiya Shrine without assistance at age 100.
Q: What does Tomiko Itooka's story teach us about aging? A: Itooka's life provides an inspiring example of how a combination of consistent, healthy habits, particularly diet and physical activity, can contribute to a long and active life, though genetics are also a major factor.
Q: Did Tomiko Itooka live in a "Blue Zone"? A: Itooka lived in the Hyōgo Prefecture, not a formally recognized Blue Zone, though Japan generally has a high life expectancy. Her habits are consistent with many Blue Zone principles.
Q: Is it advisable to only eat bananas and Calpis for longevity? A: No. While these foods may have benefits, relying on just two items is not a balanced diet. A varied diet with fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients is crucial for overall health.
Citations
'Woman Who Died at 116 Credited These Foods for Her ...', Mymodernmet.com, January 10 2025. 'Longevity Secrets of 116-Year-Olds, Including Bananas', Businessinsider.com, January 06 2025. 'Lessons on aging from the oldest people in the world: Eat your ...', Yahoo.com, March 22 2024. 'Secret to long life of world's oldest person who died aged 116 ...', Unilad.com, January 09 2025. 'Researcher: Never take health and lifestyle advice from ...', Sciencenorway.no, September 10 2024. 'Researchers who studied 117-year-old before her death reveal ...', Unilad.com, September 27 2025. 'Islands of centenarians: why life expectancy is so high in Japan', Falstaff.com, March 21 2024. 'The surprising hobby the world's new oldest person carried on ...', Independent.co.uk, August 22 2024. 'Tomiko Itooka - Wikipedia', Wikipedia.org, [Accessed September 28, 2025].
