With an average life expectancy of 78 years for men and 86 years for women, Okinawans are among the world's longest-lived people. This is undoubtedly due in part to Okinawa's warm and inviting climate and scenic beauty. Senior citizens living in these islands tend to enjoy years free from disabilities. Okinawans have very low rates of cancer and heart disease compared to American seniors. They are also less likely to develop dementia in old age, says Craig Wilcox of the Okinawa Centenarian Study.