Did you know that where you live could dictate how long you live? When best-selling author Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic in 2004, he found places in the world (Blue Zones) where people have a much higher life expectancy. This article explores the Blue Zones and what makes them so unique.
What is a Blue Zone?
The term Blue Zone was coined by Buettner and his team of researchers when they set about identifying the parts of the world where people live considerably better and longer.
People who live in the Blue Zones reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the US.
The Blue Zones outlined in Buettner’s book ‘The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from People Who Lived the Longest’ are:
- Sardinia, Italy
- Okinawa, Japan
- Loma Linda, California
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Ikaria, Greece
The Power 9
Once the Blue Zones were established, the researchers looked into why people who reside there experience healthier and longer lives. They found there were nine characteristics specific to all Blue Zones, a list they called the Power 9.
Buettner purports that by following the Power 9, us non-Blue Zoners can lengthen our lives. Here’s how:
1. Move more: The people who live the longest in the world are always on the go. But they’re not pumping iron in a gym or running triathlons. Instead, they’re strolling to the shops, walking in their gardens and generally ditching other modes of transport in favour of feet.
2. Live with purpose: Think about what gets you up in the morning. This sense of purpose is what drives people living in Blue Zones. Know your talents and what you can offer the world, and then get out there and live it!
3. Stress less: What’s interesting is that even Blue Zone residents have stress. However, rather than store that stress, they alleviate it through prayer, remembering their ancestors or meditation.
4. Eat well: Did you know that people in Okinawa speak an ancient manta before each meal, to remind them to stop eating when they are 80 per cent full? They also eat a small meal in the afternoon and don’t eat until morning. These simple habits could be the key to reducing our waistbands.
5. Reduce meat: Interestingly, most centenarians eat minimal amount of meat, favouring a plant-based diet of beans, soy, nuts and lentils.
6. Drink wine: Yes, you can have wine! According to Buettner’s research, moderate drinkers live longer than non-drinkers. Just keep it to one or two glasses a day.
7. Join the community: Most of the people in Blue Zones belong to a religious community, with studies showing that attending a faith-based meeting four times each month adds another four to 14 years to your life.
8. Family first: Blue Zone centenarians keep their families close, often with three generations living under the one roof. Being in a loving relationship can also add three years to your life.
9. Healthy friends: Choosing the right people to socialise with might just help you live longer. Buettner found that Blue Zone people are born into or choose social circles that focus on health and wellness. Considering we tend to mimic those who we spend the most time with, it makes sense to hang out with people who have a positive influence on us and vice versa.
