"Traditional Asian diet is significantly different than western fare: low in red meat, high in vegetable and fiber content, nearly absent in artificial presevatives and added sugars. Asians generally eat more and smaller portions, and better balance their caloric intake with exercise. No surprises here.""But what is emerging as a major factor in Asian longevity is cultural: older persons in Asian society are treated with a high degree of reverence. Their opinions are sought out; their wisdom, valued. Seniors more fully participate in Asian society than their western peers. The elderly remain active until very late in their lives. So quality of life may be linked to quantity of life in a very concrete way."