Doctor Shigeaki Hinohara.
Photo Jan 20009: Judit Kawaguchi / The Japan Times
See earlier related report
Hinohara is something of a celebrity in his native country of Japan, where he still works long days as a physician at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo.
But while he's visiting Vancouver this week, the doctor will be learning, rather than lecturing or treating the ill.
Hinohara is here with 30 members of his Society of New Elderly Citizens, an association of people over the age of 75 who are committed to exploring and learning as they age.
Simon Fraser University is hosting the group of energetic seniors, who will be participating in a film study workshop, a B.C. wine seminar and English classes during their week-long visit.
When SFU's Project Japan director, Toshimi Ono, first suggested the trip two years ago Hinohara told her he'd have to check his three-year diary.
"He likes to plan ahead," she said.
According to an interview Hinohara did recently with The Japan Times, his schedule is booked through to 2014 with lectures and his regular hospital work.
"In 2016, I'll have some fun though. I plan to attend the Tokyo Olympics," he told the newspaper. He will be 105 years old by that point. The 2016 games have yet to be awarded.
Hinohara sleeps only three to five hours a night and has said he works 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
He has written 150 books since the age of 75, one of which has sold 1.2 million copies. And he eats very little -- his breakfast consisting only of a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, and a glass of orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil.
He notes regularly in interviews that the one thing shared by all people who live to a ripe old age is that they are not overweight.
And while exercise and a good diet are important, he maintains that the most important things to living well and living long are a positive attitude, and a never-ending desire to learn and explore. [rc]
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
September 1, 2009
JAPAN: Practicing doctor, at 98, says be positive, curious for a long life
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TORONTO, Ontario / Canada.com / Lifestyle / August 31, 2009
By Amy O'Brian, Canwest News Service
Shigeaki Hinohara's recipe for a long and healthy life has served him well. But it's a recipe full of hard work and self-control, which might not appeal to everyone.
The 98-year-old isn't among those who swear that a nightly shot of whisky or a daily swim in an icy lake is the secret to a long life.
Instead, the man believed to be the world's oldest and longest-practicing doctor said staying productive and having a positive outlook on life are among the most important ingredients to a long and healthy life.
Doctor Shigeaki Hinohara.
Photo Jan 20009: Judit Kawaguchi / The Japan Times
See earlier related report
Hinohara is something of a celebrity in his native country of Japan, where he still works long days as a physician at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo.
But while he's visiting Vancouver this week, the doctor will be learning, rather than lecturing or treating the ill.
Hinohara is here with 30 members of his Society of New Elderly Citizens, an association of people over the age of 75 who are committed to exploring and learning as they age.
Simon Fraser University is hosting the group of energetic seniors, who will be participating in a film study workshop, a B.C. wine seminar and English classes during their week-long visit.
When SFU's Project Japan director, Toshimi Ono, first suggested the trip two years ago Hinohara told her he'd have to check his three-year diary.
"He likes to plan ahead," she said.
According to an interview Hinohara did recently with The Japan Times, his schedule is booked through to 2014 with lectures and his regular hospital work.
"In 2016, I'll have some fun though. I plan to attend the Tokyo Olympics," he told the newspaper. He will be 105 years old by that point. The 2016 games have yet to be awarded.
Hinohara sleeps only three to five hours a night and has said he works 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
He has written 150 books since the age of 75, one of which has sold 1.2 million copies. And he eats very little -- his breakfast consisting only of a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, and a glass of orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil.
He notes regularly in interviews that the one thing shared by all people who live to a ripe old age is that they are not overweight.
And while exercise and a good diet are important, he maintains that the most important things to living well and living long are a positive attitude, and a never-ending desire to learn and explore. [rc]
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
Doctor Shigeaki Hinohara.
Photo Jan 20009: Judit Kawaguchi / The Japan Times
See earlier related report
Hinohara is something of a celebrity in his native country of Japan, where he still works long days as a physician at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo.
But while he's visiting Vancouver this week, the doctor will be learning, rather than lecturing or treating the ill.
Hinohara is here with 30 members of his Society of New Elderly Citizens, an association of people over the age of 75 who are committed to exploring and learning as they age.
Simon Fraser University is hosting the group of energetic seniors, who will be participating in a film study workshop, a B.C. wine seminar and English classes during their week-long visit.
When SFU's Project Japan director, Toshimi Ono, first suggested the trip two years ago Hinohara told her he'd have to check his three-year diary.
"He likes to plan ahead," she said.
According to an interview Hinohara did recently with The Japan Times, his schedule is booked through to 2014 with lectures and his regular hospital work.
"In 2016, I'll have some fun though. I plan to attend the Tokyo Olympics," he told the newspaper. He will be 105 years old by that point. The 2016 games have yet to be awarded.
Hinohara sleeps only three to five hours a night and has said he works 18 hours a day, seven days a week.
He has written 150 books since the age of 75, one of which has sold 1.2 million copies. And he eats very little -- his breakfast consisting only of a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, and a glass of orange juice with a tablespoon of olive oil.
He notes regularly in interviews that the one thing shared by all people who live to a ripe old age is that they are not overweight.
And while exercise and a good diet are important, he maintains that the most important things to living well and living long are a positive attitude, and a never-ending desire to learn and explore. [rc]
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
