VI. Proclamation of a World Longevity Region

VI. PROCLAMATION OF A WORLD LONGEVITY REGION

In August 1995, as part of the 50th Commemoration of the End of the Pacific War and the Battle of Okinawa, the Prefectural Government held the "Study of Longevity in Okinawa and Proclamation of a Region of Longevity." In order to verify the factors that contribute to long life in this prefecture, prominent domestic and international authorities on longevity, including the Secretary General of the World Health Organization, read reports and exchanged opinions through speeches, a symposium and round-table conferences. The Proclamation of a Region of Longevity confirmed the prefectural citizens' efforts in achieving a peaceful and healthy aged society, and declared a commitment to further endeavors.

Due to the implementation of post-war measures to control infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis; health measures for mothers, children and elderly; improvements in environmental sanitation facilities such as water supply and drainage systems; and the promotion of social welfare measures, the average life expectancy in this prefecture has extended remarkably during the 50 years following World War II. This is a rather significant accomplishment considering the fact that Okinawa suffered major damages in the war and, when compared to mainland Japan, was belated in developing its social security foundation.

Life expectancy in Okinawa is the highest in Japan, both at the time of birth and at age 65. In addition, the number of centenarians is 282 or 22.1 per 100,000 people a figure well over the national average of 5.9 per 100,000. Okinawa has maintained this top position for 24 consecutive years. Since the Japanese life span is the longest in the world, it follows that Okinawans are the world's longest-living people.

In 1995, a survey was conducted on Okinawans 90 years of age or older, in order to look at the actual state of their lives. The results showed that few people suffer degeneration in old age and that most have high levels of immunity. The reasons for this are as follows: 1) proper nutrition, 2) a balanced diet, 3) good communication between family members and friends, nurturing a sense of purpose and an environment free from worry, 4) a mild climate, and 5) human compassion from the prefectural citizens.

On the other hand, however, some survey results offered warning signals concerning future longevity in this prefecture. Setting the middle-age bracket at 50 to 55 years of age, the death rate was found to be lower for older generations and higher for younger generations when compared to the national average. The reasons for this were an increased disease in adulthood, such as cancer, heart disease, and cerebro-vascular disease, all caused by westernization of lifestyle and diet, as well as an increase in death by traffic accidents, etc. among the younger generations. To counteract this trend, it is important to provide health education to the generations born after the war.

With the development of an aging society, an increase in the number of elderly either living alone, bedridden and needing care, or senile has been reported. Therefore, welfare measures and long-term care measures are also issues that require our attention in the future. Due to changes in the various conditions that have supported longevity in Okinawa, future maintenance of prefectural prize - long life - is in jeopardy. Thus, one of the aims of the "Study of Longevity in Okinawa and the Proclamation of a Region of Longevity" was to create an awareness in citizens about the significance of these issues.

As we must work together for the future of our aging society, this prefecture intends to promote the development of a community in which all elderly may live a long and happy life, in familiar towns and villages. To realize this goal, both good health and the quality of life must be reinforced through all life stages, with people taking an active role in community activities and co-operating in the building of Okinawa, the "longevity prefecture." The Okinawa Prefectural Government is devoted to taking measures for achieving peace of mind in a caring society by working in close cooperation with the health, medical care and welfare sectors.

Proclamation
of
a World Longevity Region

Okinawa Prefecture, the lone site of land warfare in Japan during World War II, suffered the loss of more than 200 thousand precious lives and invaluable cultural assets.

In the aftermath, the people of Okinawa arose from amid the ashes, and now 50 years later, enjoy the benefits of spectacular economic development.
And our prefecture prides itself on being one of the world longevity regions.

We here acknowledge that our emergence as a region of longevity owes much to the dedication of health care professionals and the efforts of the people of Okinawa. It derives from Okinawa's warm climate and our culture and culinary traditions, which are the crystallization of the insights of our ancestors. It is also attributed to the custom of mutual assistance known in the local dialect as "yuimaaru" that is expressed in the idea of symbiosis, which entails living in harmony with nature, giving a helping hand to the weak in our society, and the acceptance of different cultures; and the spirit of "ichariba chode," or interacting with all peoples as kindred.

One lesson gained in the throes of war is that "Life is Sacred," reflecting Okinawa's yearning for a lasting peace. Our society of longevity has emerged supported by that sentiment.

We here, on the 50th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War and the Battle of Okinawa, in honoring the unique cultural heritage passed down to us by our ancestors, uphold the paramount importance of good health, the sacredness of peace, the pursuit of happiness for all the people of the world, and proclaim Okinawa a World Region of Longevity.

On this date, the 18th of August 1995

Masahide Ota
Governor
Okinawa Prefecture

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