Ikigai is a Japanese phrase for “a reason for living.”And according to the residents of the Japanese village with the longest living people, finding it is the key to a happier and longer life. This village has one of the highest percentages of 100-year-olds living in it.

It represents one of the Blue Zones in the world studied and documented by Dan Buettner, an American National Geographic fellow and New York Times best selling author. More about Blue Zones in another post.

Pat hopes to do her own research of Maine residents 100+ who exemplify people who have found their own Ikigai. What that means is they have found a way to bring satisfaction, happiness, and meaning to their lives.

Whatever you do, they say DON’T RETIRE. A number of interesting facts  about these people are two that resonate with me:

1,. Not only do they live longer than the rest of the world’s population, they suffer fewer chronic illnesses.

2. The rate of dementia is well below the global average.

I intend to write about two of these Mainers:

• Virginia Oliver – the Oldest Maine lobster women and probably the world’s as well. 102.
• Sally Wigon – a 103 year old who is still working at her family’s office supply store.