10 Things Americans Can Learn From Immigrants to Live Longer
The U.S. has a larger immigrant population than any other nation, with over 40 million residents born abroad, making up about 20% of the world’s migrants, according to Pew Research. Immigrants also saw an increase in life expectancy from 2010 to 2017, in contrast to a decline for those born in the U.S. It seems there are many valuable lessons Americans can learn from immigrants to lead a more holistic lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Organ Meat
Research shows that traditional Chinese medicine attributes many health benefits to organ meat. Considered a nourishing food, organ meat is believed to have healing properties that can strengthen the body. This type of meat is also associated with “yang” or warmth, which is viewed as beneficial for overall health in traditional Chinese culture.
By incorporating organ meat into their diets, many Chinese people believe they can enhance their vitality and well-being, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural practices that contribute to their good health.
Finding Strength in the Italian Family (La Famiglia)
In Italian culture, the family, or “la famiglia,” stands as the cornerstone of life, offering both emotional and economic support. Over the past few decades, the size of Italian families has shrunk due to declining fertility rates, but their importance remains unchanged.
Italians possess a deep sense of loyalty to their family members, often viewing the family unit as the only truly complete and permanent social structure. This loyalty and sense of security explain why Italians prioritize spending time with their families. For them, the family is a refuge—a safe haven that provides unwavering support and a solid foundation during uncertain times.
Caring for New Mothers
Babies born to Mexican immigrants often have lower infant mortality rates compared to those born to non-Hispanic white women. One key practice contributing to this is the “cuarentena”—a 40-day period of mandatory pampering for new mothers.
During this time, the entire community steps in, ensuring the new mother does nothing but rest, eat nutritious food, and bond with her baby. Household chores are off-limits. This tradition fosters a peaceful recovery and a healthy start for both mother and baby, emphasizing the importance of community support in the critical weeks following childbirth.
The Power of Friendship Loans
When penniless Vietnamese refugees arrived in America after the fall of Saigon, they surprised many by quickly starting successful businesses. They managed this through “friendship loans,” where savings were pooled at monthly gatherings of a dozen or more friends.
Each friend brought a set amount, knowing that one month, they’d take home the entire pool, no strings attached. The catch? You must continue paying until everyone has had their turn—defaulting even once meant losing your friends and reputation. This system showcased the power of community support and trust—a valuable lesson in financial cooperation.
Blending Tradition with Modern Dating
While many second-generation Indian and South Asian Americans initially resist the idea of arranged marriages, by their late 20s and 30s, they often find traditional dating exhausting, which is exactly when the practice of “assisted marriage” comes into play.
This practice involves parents and close friends actively helping in the search for a suitable partner by spreading the word and circulating “biodata”—concise resumes that highlight key information without revealing too much. They also screen potential candidates to weed out unsuitable matches. Ultimately, singles still have the choice to meet and decide if there’s a connection, blending traditional support with modern autonomy in finding love.
The Value of Respeto in Mexican Culture
In Mexican culture, showing respect, or “respeto,” to those older than oneself is deeply ingrained. This respect extends to everyday actions: giving way to elders in public, ensuring they are served first, and offering your seat if none are available. Additionally, when passing objects, it’s important to hand them directly and respectfully, rather than tossing them.
Respeto goes beyond just manners—it involves recognizing and honoring authority and maintaining clear boundaries. This cultural value underscores the importance of hierarchy and mutual respect, fostering a community where everyone knows their place and respects others’ roles.
Enhancing Education with Hagwons
Asian immigrant students, particularly those of Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese descent, often excel academically in public schools—not by luck, but through strategic preparation. These students come from cultures where understanding and mastering the school system is key to success.
One essentiaql tool is “hagwons,” supplementary classes often led by an older student to introduce new skills before they’re covered in class. This one-on-one teaching, combined with motivated peers and increased confidence, can elevate the quality of a public school education to that of a private institution. This approach highlights the importance of extra academic support and proactive learning strategies.
Community Vigilance and Good Neighbors
In Chicago’s Little Village barrio, a largely Hispanic and low-income neighborhood, the community has achieved remarkable health and safety outcomes. With asthma rates at a mere five percent—significantly lower than the city average of 19-22.2 percent—and higher survival rates during a deadly heatwave, the barrio defies expectations.
The secret lies in its vibrant street culture. Neighbors frequently hang out on stoops or walk to local stores, fostering a blend of social interaction and vigilant watchfulness. This old-fashioned community engagement seems to have a protective effect, enhancing the health and well-being of the entire neighborhood.
Benefits of Intergenerational Living
Caribbean immigrants, like many Jamaicans, often have economic advantages such as easier visa access, higher education levels, and fluent English. Yet, many choose to live with their parents well into their 40s. This isn’t merely a cultural preference but a strategic decision that benefits everyone involved.
Intergenerational homes boost household income, enabling families to reside in better neighborhoods with superior schools. Young adults can save for advanced degrees or home purchases while children receive more adult attention, which supports cognitive development. Plus, these families genuinely enjoy each other’s company, proving that staying close-knit can enhance quality of life across generations.
Innovating Family Meals with Monthly Rice
After a long day at work, preparing a nutritious, hot meal can be daunting, especially with the pressure of maintaining family dinners linked to better health and behavior. Vietnamese families, who value fresh, multi-course meals, tackled this challenge with the innovative “monthly rice” service.
This subscription model offers home-cooked meals prepared by talented local chefs from Houston to California. For a modest monthly fee, families receive delicious, fresh dinners—four courses for four people cost around $10. This creative solution ensures convenient, healthy meals and demonstrates how cultural traditions can inspire practical, modern-day solutions.
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