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Issue 12

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Manabu's grandfather
Photo: Manabu Ozawa
My grandfather sleeps very well—at least 12 hours a day—but when he awakens, he rides a motorcycle, plays Japanese style chess, and makes Bonsai (Japanese small plants).

Meet My Grandfather

Manabu Ozawa from Japan

My grandfather is now 88 years old. He is still very active, and his active life makes his wife—my grandmother—healthy and active. My grandparents' case is not special in Japan now. Life expectancy is rising higher and higher and has now reached 88 years for women and 83 years for men.

I think there are some secrets to living longer. One is being active. My grandfather sleeps very well—at least 12 hours a day—but when he awakens, he rides a motorcycle, plays Japanese style chess, and makes Bonsai (Japanese small plants). He uses his hands and fingers, and he spins his brain. It is said that using your fingers activates your brain and prevents Alzheimer's.

He is so busy that my grandmother has to worry about him. He has had three car accidents since he turned 65. She is afraid that he will have an accident again, so she is always with him, even when he travels. They depend on each other. Sharing your life with someone is another secret to living a long life

There are some other examples of people who have lived a long, healthy life because they shared their life with someone. My mother's teacher, who died one year ago at age 86 or so, was always healthy and clear-minded. She used to walk to my house. She always lived with her elder sister and had to take care of her. She died of cancer three months after her sister died. After her sister's death, she got worse day by day.

I think these are many reasons that people live a long time such as keeping healthy and eating natural food, but the most important one is having a good partner. People who share their lives can help each other and talk to each other, sometimes argue with each other. At least all the elderly people whom I know have good partners. This is true in the case of my grandparents!


Meet more grandparents:

Grandparents, I Love You! | Changes in My Grandparents' Lives | My Amazing Grandfather | My Beautiful Great-Grandmother | The Grandmother I Knew | I'm Proud of My Grandfather | My Grandmother's Life

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