Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples

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Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived Peoples

by John Robbins

4.15 · rating details · 275 ratings · 72 reviews

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Why do some people age in failing health and sadness, while others grow old with vitality and joy?

In this revolutionary book, bestselling author John Robbins presents us with a bold new paradigm of aging, showing us how we can increase not only our lifespan but also our health span. Through the example of four very different cultures that have the distinction of producing some of the world’s healthiest, oldest people, Robbins reveals the secrets for living an extended and fulfilling life in which our later years become a period of wisdom, vitality, and happiness. From Abkhasia in the Caucasus south of Russia, where age is beauty, and Vilcabamba in the Andes of South America, where laughter is the greatest medicine, to Hunza in Central Asia, where dance is ageless, and finally the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa, the modern Shangri-la, where people regularly live beyond a century, Robbins examines how the unique lifestyles of these peoples can influence and improve our own.

Bringing the traditions of these ancient and vibrantly healthy cultures together with the latest breakthroughs in medical science, Robbins reveals that, remarkably, they both point in the same direction. The result is an inspirational synthesis of years of research into healthy aging in which Robbins has isolated the characteristics that will enable us to live long and–most important–joyous lives. With an emphasis on simple, wholesome, but satisfying fare, and the addition of a manageable daily exercise routine, many people can experience great improvement in the quality of their lives now and for many years to come. But perhaps more surprising is Robbins’ discovery that it is not diet and exercise alone that helps people to live well past one hundred. The quality of personal relationships is enormously important. With startling medical evidence about the effects of our interactions with others, Robbins asserts that loneliness has more impact on lifespan than such known vices as smoking. There is clearly a strong beneficial power to love and connection.

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Paperback, 384 pages

Published December 10th 2008 by Ballantine Books (first published September 12th 2006)

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May 05, 2008

Sally rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: health

Enjoyable reading, solid research, good end-notes, great book.

I like how he put Weston Price in perspective. Either people revere him or discredit him. Robbins acknowledges that he made great observations, but had rather limited exposure to the peoples he visited, so it's not completely solid "science." Dr Price's suggestions are great ideas, but should be balanced with other great ideas. Use what works for you.

The chapter that blew me away was "Breaking Fr...moreEnjoyable reading, solid research, good end-notes, great book.

I like how he put Weston Price in perspective. Either people revere him or discredit him. Robbins acknowledges that he made great observations, but had rather limited exposure to the peoples he visited, so it's not completely solid "science." Dr Price's suggestions are great ideas, but should be balanced with other great ideas. Use what works for you.

The chapter that blew me away was "Breaking Free from the Cultural Trance, or the real news on this planet." The real news is that love makes all the difference. His information on wealth distribution, what that tells you about a culture's values, and the effects on health were staggering to me. Of course, it makes sense now.

"The larger the gap between rich and poor, the less health will prevail." p. 265

What that means is that in a culture where the rich are *much* richer than the poor, that means that having wealth is a more valued trait than sharing wealth. It also means that the rich hold onto their wealth (generally speaking, I mean we all know of at least one generous rich person), which means that the poor have to work all that harder for the very basics (or give up and try to subsist on welfare), which means they have very little time for relationships (and then all the evils that occur from fragile or falling apart families will follow), which means that health suffers greatly.

No matter how "wealthy" or "poor" a nation, the greater the gap between rich and poor, the poorer health is in general. The smaller the gap between rich and poor, the better the health generally: for rich and poor. Huge implications. (Do I sound like a socialist? I don't think government has the duty to "fix" this; after all, it's a reflection on the people and their values, so government's not gonna change that. It's what we teach and value in our homes that filters up to results like this.)

Bhutan, which admittedly has its problems, has actually instituted Gross National Happiness as a measure of national prosperity, rather than Gross Domestic Product. Revolutionary! It may sound fru-fru, idealistic and a little hippy-ish, but it means healthier people. Happiness and love really do make a considerable difference.

A funny image just came to mind. Once science begins to acknowledge the effects of love, can you image a roomful of scientists trying to decide how to "control" for "love" in a study on health? They'll try it, I'm sure.

I won't go on right now. Terrific book. (less)

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Apr 02, 2011

Shel rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: health, hospice, utopias, vegan, read-in-my-thirties

Live longer and healthier via diet and lifestyle.

Eat vegetables — Dean Ornish, Joel Furhman, Caldwell Esselstyn, T. Colin Campbell, and John McDougall.

Volunteer, maintain strong social ties, act in love and compassion—Mother Teresa, Karen Armstrong, and Dame Cicely Mary Saunders.

Add John Robbins'Healthy at 100 to the cannon of books/voices urging us to eschew the Standard American Diet (SAD) and live longer in great health. In addition, Robbins' makes a case again...more

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Feb 06, 2009

Dawn rated it

· review of another edition

This is one of the most beautiful and positive books I've ever read. Anybody and everybody should read it - I think there is something in it that will appeal to each person on this planet.

The theme of the book comes down to this: getting old should not be scary, and should nt be treated as something to fear. Each one of us can prevent the mental and physical deterioration that is often associated with getting old by simply eating well, exercising, and surrounding ourselves with pe...more

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Feb 05, 2012

Mr. Pilsener rated it

Shelves: health

This is one of the few books I come across that deserves 5 stars. I am happy that Robbins mentioned the village of Vilcabamba in Ecuador. I've known about the longevity of their people for a long time. The differences among cultures is astounding. With regards to stress, (and the fact that so many people in my industrialized culture are overfed, overmedicated, and overstressed) my favorite passage from the book is as follows:

Pages 34-35: ...a mystic from India who was introduced ...moreThis is one of the few books I come across that deserves 5 stars. I am happy that Robbins mentioned the village of Vilcabamba in Ecuador. I've known about the longevity of their people for a long time. The differences among cultures is astounding. With regards to stress, (and the fact that so many people in my industrialized culture are overfed, overmedicated, and overstressed) my favorite passage from the book is as follows:

Pages 34-35: ...a mystic from India who was introduced to New York City. His guide took him to the Times Square subway station at the peak of morning rush hour. The visitor was appalled at what he saw--people with briefcases pushing hard and driving madly. Not understanding what was causing people to behave so frantically, he asked, "Is there a wolf behind them?" "No," said the guide, "there's a dollar in front of them."

Taken from the book:

-Fat in food cause high cholesterol, especially saturated.
-Stay away from tuna! It has lots of mercury.
-Stay away from cheese!
-Eat more whole grains.
-Omega 3 is good
-Flax seed is good
-Wheat germ is good

I couldn't believe that Robbins is the son of the co-founder of the ice cream chain Baskin-Robbins! Robbins reminds me of Thom Hartmann, in both his political views and happiness with his wife and family.

Robbins mention of the increasing gap between the rich and poor was pretty intense and interesting. It's even more so that the book was written in 2006, shortly before the economic crash and Wall Street exposure.
Page 265: "And it's certainly true that worldwide today, those nations whose annual per capita income is below about $5,000 to $10,000 often suffer from poor sanitation and malnutrition and have the poorest health. But studies have consistently found that above that threshold, the health of nations is no longer a matter of absolute income, but is actually more a matter of the gap between the rich and the poor. Above that point, the larger the gap between rich and poor, the less health will prevail." (less)

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Feb 01, 2008

Jeanette rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction, health-nutrition

It was especially interesting to me to learn about some little-known cultures and their simple lifestyles. Robbins can be a little wordy at times, and a tad too "New Agey" for me, but he comes from the heart, and the information is valuable.

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Feb 17, 2011

Pat rated it

· review of another edition

What sets this book apart from most books on health is that the last third of the book focuses on how strong interpersonal relationships are more of a determiner of health as we age than smoking or poor diets! Here's a favorite..

Four hugs a day are necessary for survival, eight a day for maintenance, twelve for growth!
In the four healthiest cultures, "Instead of going shopping, they go visit one another"

In a heart disease study it was found that men who ...more

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Mar 15, 2010

Robin rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: health, self-help

Nutrition author John Robbins explains his method for long and healthy life, beginning by taking a look at four of the world’s oldest cultures in which individuals live long lives and are healthy and vital. He uses a combination of scientific research and humanitarian conjecture to help us apply what these cultures have in common to our own lives. He considers physical factors such as activity and healthful eating, psychological factors such as satisfaction with life, and social factors such as ...more

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Jul 13, 2011

Sarah Shea rated it

· review of another edition

The beginning of the book focuses entirely on the different tribes, their health, diet, etc. That is what I got the book for, and I found these parts to be very interesting. He made these places sound very picturesque but balanced it by mentioning some of the downsides (although I could tell the noble savage picture was hard to shake for him).

However, after talking about Okinawa, the books interested completely dropped off for me. The rest of the book is pretty much the typical info...more

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Nov 02, 2010

Amelia Mulder rated it

Shelves: health-and-nutrition

Although at times a little long-winded and repetitive (a good editor's hand should have prevented this), this did little to distract from the insight and value I got from this book (hence the 5-star rating). Robbins artfully balances scientific data with anecdotes and historic reference, making this an easy, yet enlightening read. Whereas most books on health tend to focus mostly on diet and exercise, 'Still Healthy at 100' is much more comprehensive, detailing also, with scientific evidence, th...more

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Nov 19, 2008

Jane rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: health seekers

Recommended to Jane by: book club

This was a different sort of book club choice, made by the oldest lady in my local book group, for our selection this month (we meet every other month). Because I like sociology/anthropology and am interested in concepts (and practices, when possible!) of healthy living, I found this book quite interesting. It's somewhat sad to think about how our American culture has evolved to rely so heavily on processed/packaged/fast foods, and how little exercise is naturally incorporated into most people...more

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Jul 11, 2007

Ganesh rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: anyone trying to kick their jellybean habit and needing some motivation

Shelves: health, culture, indigenouscultures, community, favorites

Pre-reading thoughts:

I enjoyed John Robbins' talk at the Green Festival, which is a huge environmental conference held in San Francisco, Seattle, and D.C. In his book and talk, he explored the lifestyles of indigenous people known for their longevity and good health.

I agreed with just about everything he said: that it is important to accept and honor the aging process and to practice the art of relationships. However, I don't agree with his notions of what a healthy ...more

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Feb 08, 2009

Diane rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: health

The author of this book is John Robbins. His father created and owned Baskin-Robbins. John walked totally away from his family fortune to start a life for himself. He has written many books on health. I had heard of John Robbins and wanted to read some of his books. Our daughter, Bridget, found this book for me at the library and it is a real winner. He teaches the reader how you can, at any age, dramatically increase your life span and your health span. I have loved reading this book.

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Jul 07, 2010

Cynthia rated it

· review of another edition

This is the second time I have read this book in two years. I was feeling very down about growing older, during the process of putting my grandfather into an Assisted Living situation, and John Robbins' wonderful perspectives on aging gracefully and healthily were just what the doctor ordered. You will learn so much from this book and close it, feeling like singing at the top of your lungs, because you will have the secret to a happy, peaceful and healthy long life!

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Aug 26, 2009

Bridget rated it

· review of another edition

This book is a well though, well researched refreshing perspective on health. It is a well rounded perspective on healthy living and addresses issues of diet, physical activity and social relationships and stereotypes. It has changed the way that I see myself and also the overly processed, youth obsessed culture that we are drenched in. If ANYONE is looking to understand health, this book is a MUST read. I have found myself inspired on each page. I love it.

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Mar 29, 2009

Leah rated it

· review of another edition

Here is another good read. I really enjoyed learning about John Robbins life and how he came to his conclusion about health and nutrition. I think we all need to be more aware of how our bodies react to foods, our environment, etc. If we understand this, then we are more likely to provide our bodies with the necessary elements for optimal function. In return we will live better and happier lives.

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Apr 14, 2009

Christina rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: nonfiction

This book lived up to its intro. I'm having my husband read it, and I'm tempted to make it an automatic gift to family and friends over the holidays. Robbins extensively covers food and exercise, like Michael Pollan, in the first half. Then he moves on to how people of different cultures treat each other, the priorities of different cultures (ex. sharing vs. hoarding), and the importance of being part of a loving community, convincingly describing with studies and anecdotal stories how all th...more

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May 28, 2010

Lois rated it

· review of another edition

A book group selection, this was much more interesting than I expected. I was immediately fascinated by the four different cultures he described where people traditionally live to a very healthy, very old age. As well as a plant based diet and exercise, he discusses the need for human connections (loneliness is worse for your health than cigarettes) and a healthier attitude toward aging. Quite inspiring.

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Mar 09, 2008

Geoff rated it

Recommends it for: Die Hard fans of John Robbins

Shelves: tradedaway

I really wanted to like this book. John Robbins 'Diet for a New America' was very influential on my journey towards being Vegan. Healthy at 100 does have its heart in the right place. The problem is that it probably would have made a better magazine article than book. Robbins repeats himself over and over and over again. Sections end with long 'to do lists' which feel like brainstorming notes and the end takeaway is pretty simple: eat veg, connect with the community, get exercise, find purpose a...more

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Mar 30, 2011

Pamela rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

Very interesting and informative, well written account of five cultures who have achieved great longevity - or did until Western influences intervened. These cultures are in vastly different parts of the world, but have many aspects of lifestyle and diet in common. A convincing argument for eating a simpler unprocessed diet and staying active (of course that's a desperate oversimplification).

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Aug 11, 2009

Penny rated it

· review of another edition

This is my favorite John Robbins book yet! Copyrt. 2006 it may be his latest too.
He describes the life and diet in 4 areas of the world where people live the longest. The remainder of the book talks about a plant based diet, exercise, love and relationships. It's such an uplifting read that I must buy this book to read over and over. I'm inspired!

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Feb 10, 2010

Connie rated it

· review of another edition

Excellent and informative! It was also very interesting to learn more about John Robbin's very liberal attitudes. This heir to the Baskin Robbins fortune has definitely moved away from his families "Sugar and fat" legacy.

I am trying to live in a healthy manner. Robbins has inspired me to "do even better" especially in the area of exercise.

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Jul 23, 2009

Molly rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: adult-non-fiction

I read this at the recommendation of an older patron. She said it changed her life. And that's good... but it did not change my life. Apparently, not sitting around on your ass and eating crappy food is the key to longevity. Ooh, and we should all be vegans. Who occasionally eat fish. That's about all I got out of it.

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Feb 10, 2009

Jenna rated it

· review of another edition

A fascinating foray into the longevity implications of various diets throughout the world. Part history, part anthropology, part food science, this book will be of interest to persons studying the current state of food, food production and food consumption in the world with its accompanying disease profiles.

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Jul 11, 2009

Amy Plummer rated it

· review of another edition

The discussions about the world's longest living peoples was a bit redundant for me, I had heard most of it before. However, Robbins conviction that our relationships and how much we give of ourselves has every bit or more to do with our health & longevity was interesting...& inspiring.

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Jul 22, 2010

Erin rated it

· review of another edition

Reading this book is sort of like getting hit over the head repeatedly with a lead pipe. I think I skimmed through a bit of it at the end. The message is inspirational if you can get through the repetitive rhetoric. I did really like the "tips" at the end of the chapters which were fun to read like a magazine article.

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Sep 04, 2010

Andrea rated it

p 169 Jack LaLanne, "God, please give me the willpower to refrain from eating unhealthy foods when the urge comes over me. And please give me the strength to exercise even when I don't feel like it." p 301, Little Girl, "Never juduge a day by its weather." P 301 Morrie Schwartz, "If you're always battling against getting older, you're always going to be unahppy, because it will happen anyway." p 305 Buddha, "For there is not any means by which those who have b...more

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Sep 09, 2009

Alexander added it · review of another edition

Thorough investigation of the materials (mostly based on medical research) concerning health at late ages. Exercises, proper diet, good relationships are the keys to a healthy life (as supported by numerous medical researches).

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Oct 12, 2008

Anney Ryan rated it

· review of another edition

Okay, I read half of it. Then it was due at the library. What I read was great. John Robbins gives anthropological proof that the healthiest lifestyle is the vegan lifestyle with daily exercises. He also argues that disease-riddled aging is a western phenomenon. Given the right food, the right activity, the right state of mind, he says anyone can live healthy and active into the age of 100. There is so much evidence for and against this belief, that I lie in the middle of the road: a yogurt-slur...more

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Nov 26, 2011

Valerie rated it

· review of another edition

John Robbins is one of my favorite authors. His books will change your life. This book turns a microscope on the secrets of centenarians. It will change the way you view longevity and its link to diet, exercise, and love.

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Feb 13, 2011

Wendy rated it

· review of another edition

I really liked this book. It follows many of the principles I believe in. It's nice that science is able to show the importance of health, exercise, and relationships, and how all those lead to a full and wonderful life.

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