B2 – Upper Intermediate
Elderly people in Okinawa, Japan, live longer and healthier than others worldwide. They focus on a tradition called moai. It is a practice that has been in place for a long time.
In Okinawa’s small neighborhoods, friends gather regularly, sometimes daily or a few times a week. During each meeting, they chat, share life experiences, and help each other. They call these gatherings their moai groups.
The article below explores why these groups are essential in Okinawa’s communities.
https://www.bluezones.com/2018/08/moai-this-tradition-is-why-okinawan-people-live-longer-better/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What are “blue zones“? “Okinawa, Japan is one of the original blue zones longevity hotspots.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “safety net” mean? “It’s much easier to go through life knowing there is a safety net.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “tight-knit” mean? “Whether it was a spousal relationship or a tight-knit friend group, all that mattered was the bond the group shared.” Use this word in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes elderly people in Okinawa live longer and healthier lives than others globally?
- How does the ‘moai’ tradition in Okinawa impact the well-being of its residents?
- Can lessons from Okinawa’s elderly population be applied in your country to promote healthier aging? Why or why not?
- Do social connections still matter when people live independently today? If yes, how?
- How do your close friends and social connections affect your stress levels, happiness, and overall health?