On Sunday, Rodong Sinmun, North Korea’s state-run newspaper, shared a list of 14 methods to slow the aging process—offering health advice that, perhaps unexpectedly, wouldn’t sound out of place in a Western wellness magazine.
The recommendations in the paper’s general knowledge section include dietary, physical, and mental health tips. While framed through the lens of socialist self-reliance, they largely echo global health advice backed by modern science.
Here’s a breakdown of North Korea’s official tips for healthy aging:
1. Eat highly nutritious foods
Prioritize meals rich in vitamins and essential minerals. Avoid fatty and sugary foods that contribute to aging and chronic disease.
2. Choose whole, nutrient-dense ingredients
Vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and fiber-rich foods like beans and oats are recommended. Limit animal fat and processed fare.
3. Go for a walk
According to the paper, light walking boosts blood circulation, burns calories, eases tension, and supports muscle function.
4. Stretch regularly
Just five minutes of stretching in the morning and evening can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
5. Keep your brain active
Solving puzzles, reading, or even learning a foreign language are suggested to sharpen mental faculties and delay cognitive decline.
6. Watch your cholesterol
The article suggests reducing cholesterol by limiting animal fats and eating more fish, vegetables, and fiber.
7. Quit smoking
Unsurprisingly, smoking is called out as a significant risk factor for early skin aging and damage to the heart and lungs.
8. Maintain a healthy weight
The paper advises people who are 20% over their ideal weight to moderate their food intake and focus on weight loss.
10. Relieve stress through exercise
Regular, suitable physical activity is recommended to reduce physical tension and support long-term health.
While North Korea’s access to healthcare and nutrition remains limited due to chronic food shortages and international sanctions, Rodong Sinmun’s aging advice largely mirrors the global consensus: move often, eat better, keep the mind active, and avoid tobacco.
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