Why This Amazon Tribe Has the Healthiest Hearts
feel one’s age: to notice physical changes or limitations that happen because of getting older
The Tsimane people are some of the healthiest in the world. Living deep in the Amazon rainforest, they farm, hunt, and gather food as their ancestors did. Martina, an 84-year-old woman, can easily dig up yucca roots, cut down trees, and carry heavy fruit on her back. Juan, a 78-year-old man, says he is feeling his age and slowing down. He complains that he can only walk for two days.
Their energy surprises researchers, who found that elderly Tsimane are very healthy. They show no signs of hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. Scientists have also found that Tsimane brains age more slowly. There are no reports of Alzheimer’s.
The Tsimane people’s diet is simple and natural. They eat high-fiber foods and avoid processed items like sugar and oil. Their healthy lifestyle helps their elderly stay strong. This is changing for younger Tsimane. Outboard motors give them quicker access to town, where they get sugar, flour, and oil. Sadly, these new foods are linked to diabetes and high cholesterol among their youth.
Sample sentences
Mark didn’t feel his age until he tried playing soccer with his teenage son.
Lisa felt her age when her back hurt after gardening all afternoon.
At the family reunion, Peter laughed and said he only feels his age when he dances.
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Deep in the Amazon rainforest lives a community whose hearts age more slowly