The man who forgot to die
Receiving a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer and a grim prognosis of just six months to live from three different doctors, 66-year-old Stamatis Moraitis faced a pivotal choice:
Die and get buried in America, where he moved in his youth with big dreams. As a hard-working Greek, he did make a lot of money, owned a Chevrolet, and bought a house in the suburbs.
Return to his birthplace, Ikaria in Greece, and find his final resting place in the land of his forefathers.
Alongside his wife, Stamatis moved back to Ikaria, essentially to spend his remaining days.
This story was a part of Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, a documentary my family and I recently enjoyed on Netflix.
Blue zones are remarkable places around the world where the number of centenarians (those who live to 100) surpasses anywhere else. People in these areas tend to be healthier, happier, and longer-lived than the global average. The documentary guided us through various blue zones—Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; and yes, Ikaria, Greece.
Now, when you’re watching 📺 with two curious kids, one of them always holds the remote and hits Pause whenever they feel like predicting what’s going to happen next 🤓.
So, as soon as Stamatis decided to return to his hometown, my 15-year-old hit Pause and confidently declared that Stamatis wouldn't die in 6 months. My 12-year-old agreed, saying he'd live for another year! I thought he might stretch that to 2-3 years. But what unfolded in the story took us all by surprise.
When Stamatis went back to Ikaria with his wife, he reconnected with his old friends, relished fresh food, and breathed clean air. He started cherishing the conversations and laughter that flowed during his wine sessions with friends. He even planted grapevines in his backyard, hoping they'd yield a harvest one day 🍇.
He thinks to himself, “I might not be alive to see these grapes, but my wife will. And she’ll think of me when she harvests these grapes.”
As my enthusiastic kids predicted, 6 months passed, and Stamatis didn't die. Another year, then two, and still no end in sight. 5 years, 10 years, 20 years, 35 years elapsed!! Saviato was now a vibrant 102-year-old harvesting those grapes.
When Dan Buettner, the longevity guru and narrator of the Blue Zones documentary, asked him what happened, Stamatis cheerfully replied, "I guess I forgot to die."
The astonishing part is that Stamatis didn't consciously alter his diet or lifestyle. He didn't embark on a new exercise or drug regimen. Every improvement in Saviato's health can be attributed to one thing alone—his change of environment.
Now if you’re living the typical corporate life and:
You’re enduring long hours at your laptop.
Your day revolves around one seemingly useless online meeting after another.
You can't wait for the weekend to 'really' live life with your loved ones and friends.
You're battling any of these ailments: stress, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or even cancer.
It's not your fault or your 'unhealthy' habits to blame. You're a victim of your toxic environment.
We all know we should hit the gym, exercise, steer clear of processed foods, opt for fresh produce, and reduce stress. But these 'mindful' habits demand a LOT of mental energy. Something you simply don't have in the stressful environment you live in.
Instead of struggling to change our habits, only to fail repeatedly, what if we could change our surroundings?
Rather than offering the usual examples you're already familiar with, like:
Swap your junk food drawer for a stash of healthy nuts and seeds.
Invest in a standing desk.
Park your car farther away to get more steps.
I'll show how a simple change of residence brought about numerous, yet subtle, adjustments to our lifestyles without us even realizing it.
After my family moved from an apartment to a house, we no longer had the luxury of an elevator. We now have to climb 44 steps to go to the bedroom, so there is no escape from ascending and descending them multiple times daily. Our nearest grocery store is no longer conveniently situated within our condo complex, where unhealthy processed foods outnumber fresh fruits and vegetables.
Instead, we now have a bustling wet market nearby, offering fresh, seasonal produce. Reaching this farmer's market involves descending and ascending a long flight of stairs. Hauling bags filled with fresh fruits and vegetables up those stairs is practically a gym workout.
A similar transformation unfolded in my brother's life.
His life mirrored that of any other tech professional. He loved his job and managed to squeeze in regular gym sessions. However, there was one aspect he couldn't control: the quality of air he breathed. He lived in one of the most polluted cities, unable to enjoy a leisurely run in the park. He resorted to drinking heavily filtered water because the city's supply wasn't trustworthy. Like most of us, he bought packaged, heavily processed milk because it was the only option available.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, his company implemented a work-from-home policy. He seized the opportunity to relocate to the serene mountains 🏔️, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. He and his wife now reside in a charming home in a tranquil town, where they enjoy freshly harvested, seasonally available fruits and vegetables. Their milk supply comes from a pet cow on a nearby farm 🐄. A trip to the grocery store now involves navigating hilly terrain. With the pleasant climate, they've bid farewell to air conditioning.
Now, they not only savor runs and treks, but their health indicators like VO2 max, muscle mass, and overall well-being have also improved significantly, all without any conscious effort.
In the end, Stamatis's story isn't just about defying death; it's about embracing life by altering the environment. It's a reminder that our surroundings hold the key to our well-being.
Something to ponder:
What’s the biggest challenge you’re currently facing related to your health, wealth, or relationship?
What change in your environment will automatically steer you toward the solution?
We don't need superhuman abilities to change our lives; sometimes, it just takes a change of scenery and the willingness to embrace a new environment that truly nurtures our well-being.