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A 96-year-old single woman says, “I am in good health, but life changed. We kept the diet of our ancestors, but now health is getting worse because of mutations in food”. The mayor administers programs to make agriculture 100% ecological because, he says, “longevity depends on what we eat.”
A tour of Vilcabamba shows two things: there are older people here, and several generations live under one roof. Life is cared for as if it were gold.
Some scientists believe the oldest people exaggerate their age, and others believe the reason for longevity is that the inhabitants survive on a low-fat and low-calorie diet: yucca, bananas, guavas, beans, cereals, and corn. In addition, the climate, nutrition with products from the region (without contaminants), and the nutrient-healing water of the Capamaco River help prolong life.
The residents see a bad influence from the outside, as no one now reaches 120 years of age: for example, chicken treated with hormones. However, Vilcabamba’s reputation has spread. Hundreds of tourists arrive every year searching for medicinal herbs.
Many of us dream of arriving safe and sound to the birthday number 100. However, to get there, you have to adopt a lifestyle. In short, the oldest men in town have their “10 SECRETS” for turning 100 and beyond:
✅ 1 Eat a balanced diet daily, rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid processed foods. 2 Get enough sleep, at least seven to eight hours a night. And a nap of one to two hours. 3 Take care of hygiene. Bathe every two days. 4 Walk every day, early in the morning or evening, to keep the body in shape. 5 Take time to relax. For example, sit and admire the scenery. 6 Social contact with family and friends to discuss any topic. 7 Attend church every Sunday. 8 “Daydreaming,” thinking, to keep mentally active. 9 Practice proper safety measures to avoid accidents or illness. 10 Embrace and celebrate life: be happy every minute!
Vilcabamba’s temperate climate offers warm days, cool nights, and sunshine. It is an ideal place for the elderly, who do not need to endure extreme temperatures.
The local diet favors healthy aging: fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains are grown in the area. Some seniors practice yoga, meditation, or physical exercise in the local park. In addition, older seniors say to keep mentally active, learn new things, develop skills, cultivate healthy relationships and have a purpose in life.