Live to 100 - Understanding Blue Zones

[AnnaHU]

The term "Blue Zones" was coined by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic explorer and author, after he identified and studied regions in the world where people live significantly longer and have lower rates of chronic diseases compared to the global average. Researchers have since studied these regions to understand the factors contributing to longevity and well-being.

These Blue Zones share some common lifestyle factors associated with longevity and well-being, including a predominantly plant-based diet, regular physical activity, social engagement, purposeful lives, and a focus on stress management and relaxation. While genetics may play a role, primarily the shared lifestyle and cultural practices contribute to the exceptional health outcomes observed in these regions.

Here are the five recognized Blue Zones:

🇯🇵 Okinawa, Japan:

This Japanese island has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Okinawans have a strong sense of purpose, maintain an active lifestyle, follow a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and practice portion control.

🇮🇹 Sardinia, Italy:

The mountainous region of Sardinia, particularly the Nuoro province, is known for its high number of centenarians. The Sardinian lifestyle includes a traditional, plant-based diet with high consumption of legumes and whole grains, regular physical activity through farming and shepherding, strong family and community connections, and a focus on moderation.

🇨🇷 Nicoya, Costa Rica:

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica has a high concentration of centenarians. The population practices a traditional lifestyle involving a nutrient-rich diet based on beans, corn, and tropical fruits, engaging in physical activity through manual labor, maintaining strong social connections, and having a sense of purpose.

🇬🇷 Ikaria, Greece:

The Greek island of Ikaria has a reputation for its high life expectancy. Ikarians follow a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil. They maintain an active lifestyle with regular physical activity, prioritize rest and relaxation, and have a strong sense of community and social connections.

🇺🇸 Loma Linda, California, USA:

Loma Linda is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who have been found to have higher life expectancies. They follow a vegetarian or plant-based diet, exercise regularly, prioritize rest and stress management, and maintain strong social and community ties.

You can delve deeper into the various blue zones by watching Buttner's new Netflix 4-part docuseries 'The Secrets of the Blue Zones, now streaming on Netflix.

[jeanjeannie50]

Thank you for this Anna, I found it very interesting.

[fed13]

It's all to do with diet and exercise! In my day it was the Mediterranean diet!

[SummerDark in reply to fed13]

Also community and reason to get up each day! The documentary was fascinating.

[Vasiliki99]

I wish

[Stills]

Bet this news create a lot of interest in living in those locations

[HeBgBgirl]

I read about this months ago, and since then it keeps popping up everywhere I look!! There is now a 4 episode series on Netflix about it!! It’s a must watch if you’re interested in this!! I am feeling it’s a sign to me so I and my 27 yr old son will be implementing as much of the information we’ve learned into our daily lives!! Hoping to get my husband on board to!!

Thank you for sharing on this forum by the way!!! I am hopeful it can help all of us in some way or every way!!!! God knows we could all use it with this dreadful dis-ease!!!!

[Isinatra]

The zones are similar in how they stay healthy or pursue wellness. No one has to move to achieve what they have unless environmental factors affect the ability to reach the goals. A few examples of obstacles…..pollution, lack of proper sanitation and medical care when needed, extreme poverty. Healthy food can be lacking or unaffordable. But many people make their own choices in what they consume and the trend is not so healthy choices. It would be great if blue zones were the majority and not the minority. Im definitely going to watch the series. Thank you.

[focused1 in reply to Isinatra]

Isinatra -you make some excellent points about the wealth divide and availability. In the UK our climate restricts access to fresh food which tends to be expensive in terms of knowledge, having to cook the majority of it and having the role models like similar minded educated carers that set you in a pathway for a healthy life .Yes you can change but your environment and those around you are key players. Looking at the UK and life expectancy it isn’t surprising that the top 10 are affluent areas . Social mobility, where you live and who supports , surrounds and motivates you are tough if you’re not in the best place from day one .

[Isinatra in reply to focused1]

Well said….🌝

[SummerDark]

I loved this documentary. Thank you for this summary.

[Gymsack]

Also ,all locations relatively close to equator, sunshine, no snow. Longevity but I wonder about the incidence of Parkinson.

[HeBgBgirl]

You can also print a lot of information from the website including diet. They have questionnaires then they send you your results and info!!! Bluezones.com a wealth of information!!!!

[John347]

Singapore, the sixth blue zone:

bluezones.com/2023/10/the-w...

[supermario7]

Such an interesting article, thanks for posting.