Deep within the lush Amazonian rainforest of Bolivia, the Tsimane people are turning heads for their astonishing health and longevity. This semi-nomadic indigenous community, numbering around 16,000 individuals, lives approximately 600 kilometers north of La Paz, the country’s largest city.
Meet Martina Canchi Nate, who, at 84 years old, showcases extraordinary vitality. Just moments after being introduced, she demonstrates her strength by effortlessly harvesting yucca and plantain, all the enquanto, red butterflies dance around her.
The Tsimane community stands out not just for their lifestyle but also for their impressive health markers. Studies reveal they boast the healthiest arteries ever studied, with significant differences noted in heart health compared to populations from North America and Europe.
Their secret appears to lie within their unique lifestyle. Tsimane people engage continually with their environment, hardly spending time on sedentary activities, which is typical for industrialized populations.
Researchers, including anthropologist Hillard Kaplan from the University of New Mexico, have dedicated over two decades to examining the Tsimane. This group’s reliance on hunting, foraging, and subsistence farming presents valuable insights about human health and longevity.
Unlike most industrialized societies where over half the day is spent sitting, the Tsimane spend less than 10% of their waking hours inactive. Regular hunts extend over eight hours, covering significant distances, underscoring their high levels of physical activity.
Their diet also plays a key role. Approximately 72% of their caloric intake consists of carbohydrates, largely from vegetables and tubers, with minimal fat intake compared to Western diets.
The Tsimane’s menu features proteins derived primarily from animals they hunt, including birds, monkeys, and fish. With no history of frying or consuming processed foods, their diet is packed with fiber.
Initial research by Kaplan and his colleague, Michael Gurven, focused heavily on anthropological studies. Yet, they soon discovered something remarkable: elderly Tsimanes exhibited minimal signs of common age-related ailments such as heart disease and diabetes.
One groundbreaking 2013 study examined mummies from ancient civilizations, using CT scans to assess arterial health. It indicated many had signs of hardened arteries, adding complexity to assumptions about aging and lifestyle.
Combining this information, Kaplan and Gurven utilized CT scans on 705 Tsimanes over 40 years old, searching for coronary artery calcium (CAC), which indicates potential blockages. Their findings were startling: about 65% of Tsimane elders exceeded 75 years without any signs of CAC, contrasting sharply with the 80% of Americans showcasing such issues.
Kaplan summarised the findings succinctly: “A 75-year-old Tsimane's arteries are more like those of a 50-year-old American.” Such statistics challenge contemporary paradigms about aging and health.
Continuing their research, Kaplan's team published follow-up work, showing significant differences not only in heart health but also cognitive aging. Their study indicated elderly Tsimanes experience up to 70% less brain atrophy compared to peers from developed countries.
Dr. Daniel Eid Rodríguez, who works closely with the Tsimane, reported, “We found zero cases of Alzheimer's among the entire adult population—it's remarkable.” This low prevalence of dementia among the Tsimane adds another layer to the mystery surrounding their health.
Determining precise ages within Tsimane culture, though, poses challenges. Many individuals rely on less conventional methods for estimating age, primarily through community anecdotes or birth records from churches.
The researcher’s estimates position Hilda, who claims to be 81, alongside Juan, who feels he is 78, still exuding vigor. During exploration, the Tsimane reveal their resilience and occasional struggles with aging.
While some Tsimanes endure the trials of age, others reflect on how they’ve managed to navigate life. Often reminiscing about childhoods fraught with illness, the elders represent survival against numerous health adversities.
Dr. Eid often learns about familial backgrounds as he prepares individuals for health assessments. Many have experienced significant losses, with one reporting six children, five of whom had died due to various ailments.
The resilience of Tsimane people is marked by their ability to endure frequent infections and environmental challenges. Researchers suspect this continuous exposure to pathogens might contribute to their extraordinary capacity to fight infections, providing intriguing insights about immune system functionality.
Despite these admirable health indicators, the Tsimane’s traditional lifestyle faces threats today. Changing climate and human activities have begun to alter their once-isolated existence.
Juan highlights food scarcity issues, admitting recent unsuccessful hunting attempts due to environmental factors. The aftermath of forest fires, which ravaged nearly two million hectares of rainforest, has disrupted animal populations they rely on for sustenance.
To adapt, many Tsimanes, like Juan, are beginning to raise chickens and cattle. Such shifts signal changes not only to diet but also to their deeply ingrained cultural practices.
Dr. Eid points to technological advancements as another reason for lifestyle shifts, such as the increased availability of outboard engines for boats. This newer technology impacts their physical activity levels, allowing them easier access to remote markets for processed foods.
While traditionally well off from sugary and fatty foods, initial signs of dietary change are starting to emerge among younger generations. Instances of diabetes have begun to appear, alongside rising cholesterol rates.
“Any small change in their habits ends up affecting these health indices,” Dr. Eid explains, illustrating the subtle yet significant impact of modernity on the Tsimane lifestyle.
The lasting legacy of the researchers over the past twenty years has opened the door to better healthcare access for the Tsimane. Improved medical services now cater to various needs, from routine check-ups to emergency care for serious injuries.
Nevertheless, for people like Hilda, the essence of aging is met with laughter rather than dread. “I’m not afraid of dying,” she quips, “because they’re going to bury me, and I’ll stay there... very still.”
