The Secrets of a Very Long Life Essay Example

mountain region –like Hunza and the Caucasus –is also at a very high altitude, far away from cities. In Vilcabamba, too, there is very little serious disease. One reason for the good health of the people might be the clean, beautiful environment; another advantage is the moderate climate. The temperature is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit all year long; furthermore, the wind always comes from the same direction. In addition, the water comes form mountain streams and is high in minerals: perhaps as a result of this valuable resource, the region is rich in flowers, fruits, vegetables, and wildlife.

In some ways, the diets of the inhabitants in the three regions are quite different. Hunza’s eat mainly raw vegetables, fruit (especially apricots), and chapattis—a kind of pancake; they eat meat only a few times a year. In contrast, the Caucasian diet consists mainly of milk, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and meat; also, most people there drink the local red wine daily. In Vilcabamba, people eat beans, potatoes, and fruit. Most people there, even the very old, consume a lot of coffee and drink large amounts of alcohol.

Inhabitants in the three regions live in the countryside and are mostly farmers; their lives are physically hard and extremely active. Therefore, they do not need to make a special effort to exercise. In addition, the population does not seem to have the stress of fast city work and recreation; as a result, people’s lives are relatively free from worry—and therefore, illness or other health problems. Thus, some experts believe that physical movement and a stress-free environment might be the two most important secrets of longevity.