World’s oldest doctor visits SFU
Toshimi Ono, SFU Continuing Studies, Project JAPAN, 778.782.5115, 778.855.9632 (cell), tono@sfu.ca
Stuart Colcleugh, PAMR, 778.782.3210
He’s arguably the world’s oldest and longest practicing physician, but 98-year-old Shigeaki Hinohara isn’t in Vancouver this coming week to treat anyone.
The busy Japanese doctor, educator and popular author of 150 books – all published since he turned 75 – arrives Aug. 29 for a week-long educational and cultural visit hosted by Simon Fraser University Continuing Studies.
And he’s bringing a group of 30 relative youngsters with him, all members of the Society of New Elderly Citizens, which Hinohara founded in 2000 for Japanese seniors aged 75 and over to encourage them to explore new activities and experiences.
During their stay the group will attend English classes and an intercultural communication seminar at SFU. They’ll also visit Canadian homes, meet Japanese Canadians at the National Nikkei Museum and Heritage Centre, and participate in other activities organized by Continuing Studies’ Project JAPAN program, including a film study workshop and a B.C. wine seminar.
“We are privileged to host Dr. Hinohara and his party,” says Project JAPAN director Toshimi Ono. “They are great role models for the growing number of the North American elderly. We already know the dietary secrets of longevity of Japan’s 20,000 centenarians. Now we get a chance to explore an equally important secret to staying young: intellectual curiosity and passion for learning and exploring."
Hinohara is a living legend in Japan. He has been practicing medicine and teaching in Tokyo since 1941 at St. Luke's International Hospital and St. Luke's College of Nursing, which he helped transform into the nation’s top medical facility and nursing school after the war. He is chairman of the board of trustees at both organizations.
Hinohara is also a media personality and seniors advocate on Japanese TV and radio, and his bestselling book “Living Long, Living Good”, has sold more than 1.2 million copies.
About SFU Continuing Studies
Every semester, Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University offers more than 200 courses, programs and events at SFU’s Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey campuses. Besides educational programs for adult learners of all ages, Continuing Studies is involved in community engagement initiatives ranging from new-media applications for cultural learning to training programs in developing countries. For more information about SFU Continuing Studies please visit www.sfu.ca/cstudies.
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