The longevity of the Okinawans -Comprehensive follow -up study on aging and longevity at 10-year interval-

为了弄清冲绳人寿命最长的因素，我们自1987年以来一直对冲绳县大见村的老年人进行调查。当时我们调查的对象是711人，10年后是688人，因为197人死亡，23人下落不明，我们不确定他们的下落。测定了白蛋白、血红蛋白、胆固醇等生物学指标。这三个参数是正常的，但与10年后相比，这些参数明显降低。大见村的大部分老人独居或与伴侣一起生活。10年后，受试者的ADL下降更多，需要更多的支持和照顾。在ADL中，工具活动部分与功能适应度高度相关。那些自己照顾自己健康的人有更高的功能适应性。参与家务似乎是老年人保持较高体力的更大因素。睡眠健康状况较好的老年人也有适度的运动和散步习惯，并有规律的小睡，他们的身心也更健康，情绪适应能力更高。尽管年龄大了，但他们的睡眠和起床时间没有变化。在大上村，许多需要照顾的老人住在家里。生活在这个村子里，保持体力似乎是他们长寿的一个重要因素。

To clarify the factors of the highest longevity of the Okinawans we have been surveying on the elderly persons since 1987 in the Ohgimi village, Okinawa Prefecture. The subjects at that time we surveyed were 711, and after 10 years there were 688, since 197 subject s died and 23 were uncounted for and we were uncertained of their whereabouts. We measured the biological indices, such as the albumin, hemoglobin and cholesterol levels. These three parameters were normal, though these ware significantly lower compared to 10-year after. Most of the elderly in Ohgimi village live alone or with his/her partner. After 10-years, the ADL decreased more and the subjects needed more support and care. Among the ADL, the part of the instrumental activities were highly correlated to the functional fitness. Those who took care of their health by themselves had a higher functional fitness. Participating in household affairs seemed to be a greater factor for the elderly to keep their physical strength higher. The elderly who had a better sleep-health had also moderate exercise and walking habits, and took a regular short nap, and they were also mentally and physically healthier with a higher emotional adaptability. Despite of old ages, no changes in the sleeping and waking up time were observed in them. In Ohgimi village many elderly who needed care lived at home. Living in this village, maintenance of their physical strength seemed to be an important factor for their longevity.