Grandpa's Health Secrets

Despite all of our worries about pollution and global pandemics, a recent survey revealed that Hong Kong men are the longest-living on earth. Women are second only to those in Japan. How do we do it? We put the question to both doctors and the elderly themselves.

You Are What You Eat

Dr. Fang, a Chinese medical doctor with 40 years of experience, believes that our longevity can be largely attributed to the traditional soup that local families make. “It’s boiled for hours everyday and that benefits our health a lot,” he says. “Contrary to the popular belief that we need to have some expensive supplements for longevity, a balanced meal often works better.” Others agree. Graeme Stuart Bradshaw, a naturopathic and homeopathic practitioner at the Integrated Medicine Institute, believes that avoiding overeating is one of the top ways to live to a ripe old age. “Eat about the same amount of calories that you expend daily,” he advises. “As a result, you won't be as prone to heart disease or early diabetes. However, that is changing with more affluence, particularly with the changing diet in children.” Other doctors agree that diet is vitally important. Dr. Cheung, another Chinese medicine doctor, believes that increased education can make people more aware of how they should eat. “People should opt for lighter dishes, which are lower in salt and fat. Soup is also important.” Indeed, the elderly we spoke to also recommended lots of soup.

Antioxidants and phytonutrients are also big reasons people live so long. Phytonutrients, found in many plants and fruits, naturally promote the immune system. According to Bradshaw, “They can assist in the regeneration of lots of physiological functions. Most of the vegetables eaten here are in the cabbage family, such as bak choy, choi sum and broccoli. These protect against cancers: bowel cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.” Antioxidants, meanwhile, can be found in a lot of fresh fruits - especially berries, kiwis and papayas. “High doses of vitamin C and fresh fruit have been shown to increase lifespans by eight years,” says Bradshaw. “It’s an antioxidant and this has been shown to prevent aging.” He also notes that Omega 3 fatty acids, commonly found in any seafood, especially salmon, “reduces your heart disease risk by nearly half.”

Herbal Medicine

Doctors here often see western medicine as a quick cure for ailments, and many believe that local herbal medicines serve a different, but just as beneficial purpose - prevention. “There are herbal tea chain stores everywhere in Hong Kong and people drink these teas as soft drinks,” says Dr. Fang. He continues,“Just like people taking vitamins, this prevents them from getting sick.” “There are sound reasons for this," says Bradshaw. Many plants deemed fit for herbal medicine are or contain adaptogens, a natural herb product that improves the health of the hormone and immune systems. “For example, linzhi and reishi improve immunity, reduce cancer rates, reduce cholesterol, give a better night's sleep, raise vitality, and are used by a lot of people as food or as health product supplements,” says Bradshaw.

“Chinese medicine is usually a combination of herbs and the synergistic effect of the herbs is potent," says Dr. Fang. "Unlike western medicine, you cannot always immediately tell which herbs cure what.” That’s why going to a qualified doctor is key.

Exercise

The more you move, the healthier you are. All agree that sedentary life will kill you. “Don’t do the couch potato thing,” Bradshaw says. “Retired folk stay busy with hill-walking and qiqong. That's important. In terms of a healthy old age, movement is essential.” The best way to prolong life is through weight-bearing exercises, which increases muscle mass. But be careful about which exercises you do. “Cardiovascular exercises, like prolonged running, on the other hand, promote joint damage, bone damage and cardiovascular oxidation,” claims Bradshaw. “We’re not made for long, long running. You can get all the benefits in 15 minutes.” So get off the public transport 15 minutes early on your your commute, and walk the rest of the way. Your heart will thank you.

Tips on Growing Old, From the Old

Mr. Poon Tai, 80