Yes, Living to 100 is Possible on Lāna‘i
contributed by Eric Barsatan
To make it to your 100th birthday is like winning the lottery. It’s a rare and remarkable achievement. People living to the age of 100 or older, referred to as centenarians, make up less than 1% of the U.S. population. According to data posted by the Population Division of the United Nations, out of a U.S. population of approximately 336,997,624 in 2021, there were 89,739 centenarians (age 100+), or a prevalence of 0.027%.
One of those extraordinary individuals to reach such a milestone is my grandmother, Angeles Florentino Caceres. We, her grandchildren, call her “Lilang,” the Ilocano word for grandmother. Born in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on October 2, 1924, she recently marked her 100th birthday, just a day after the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, also turned 100. She is just one day younger than President Carter.
So, what is my Lilang’s secret to living to 100 years?
A few years ago, I was introduced to the concept of Blue Zones — geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and longer life expectancies. The five original Blue Zones are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California. After learning more about these places, I realized how much the lifestyle on Lāna‘i, where I was raised, resembles that of Blue Zones.
Many residents living in Blue Zones share nine healthy lifestyle habits that help them live longer, healthier lives. These habits, known as the Power 9, include the following:
Move Naturally: Daily life in Blue Zones includes natural physical activity such as walking, gardening or manual labor, promoting constant movement without the need for structured exercise.
Purpose: Having a clear sense of purpose improves health outcomes. Individuals in Blue Zones find meaning through work, hobbies or community involvement.
Down Shift: Managing stress is crucial. Blue Zones residents incorporate stress-relief techniques and routines to reduce chronic inflammation and promote health.
80% Rule: Eating until 80% full, rather than overeating, supports healthy digestion and prevents overconsumption.
Plant Slant: Blue Zones diets are rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains, providing essential nutrition.
Wine at 5: Moderate consumption of alcohol, particularly wine, is associated with cardiovascular benefits and social bonding in some Blue Zones.
Belong: Strong social networks and community engagement are central to the longevity found in Blue Zones.
As far back as I can remember, my Lilang has practiced many of these healthy habits without knowing anything about the Blue Zones. She loves her Filipino vegetables and bean dishes and enjoys all kinds of fruits. Lilang is always active — walking to the grocery store, cooking, cleaning, gardening, playing solitaire. Her family is her top priority, and caring for them gives her a sense of purpose. Lilang has a deep Catholic faith, with God at the center of her life.
Of course, another key factor in Lilang’s longevity is living a simple lifestyle on Lāna‘i for almost 40 years. This is where the Power 9 principles of Down Shift, Belong and Right Tribe come in. She thrives in a slow-paced, low-stress environment. The community is close-knit, and the aloha spirit is strong, contributing greatly to the quality of life. Residents genuinely support and care for one another, treating each other as members of their own ‘ohana. Kindness is everywhere.
I wish my Lilang Angeles many more years of a healthy and meaningful life. Words cannot express how much her family loves and adores her. She is an inspiration to many, and I am fortunate to see her reach 100 years old while calling one of the best places to live in the world her home.
“...I realized how much the lifestyle on Lāna‘i, where I was raised, resembles that of Blue Zones.”