Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

We have swum frequently throughout Okinawa since the 1980s; a wonderful Japanese prefecture located east of Taiwan and south of the main islands of Japan.

We eat very well (i.e., plentifully and healthfully) before and after every swim in Okinawa Prefecture, the local people seem to have constant smiles on their faces, and are willing to challenge themselves and help others challenge themselves.

So it is not surprising that the local Okinawans have among the lowest mortality rates in the world. According to the Okinawa Centenarian Study, the locals enjoy a long, healthy life expectancy. The Okinawa Centenarian Study is an ongoing population-based study of centenarians and other selected elderly that is fascinating.

Data is © Okinawa Centenarian Study, Okinawa, Japan.

Copyright © 2016 by World Open Water Swimming Association