“Traditional karate does not depend upon youth and speed for its effectiveness; its strength comes from experience and hard training. In traditional (dento) karate people get stronger as they get older.” 
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Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin Ryu Kyudokan
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People in Okinawa live longer than almost anyone on earth. This Japanese region has the highest proportion of people over 100 years old and they’re ridiculously healthy. Residents here have among the longest life spans and the islands have the highest rates of centenarians in the world. Two-thirds of those who reached 100 were still living independently at the age of 97, according to one study. Okinawans have also been found to have low rates of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.
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As researchers try to understand the reasons for the unusually long and healthy lives of these island residents, they have become convinced that their diet is a key component. The traditional local diet ― rich in vegetables, soy products and seafood is huge part of the reason why they have healthy lives.
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Perhaps another reason is that so many practice karate. 
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