Why are there places where people live over 100 years in good health? That was the question that motivated explorer Dan Buettner and his scientific team to search for the world’s longest-living communities. Their finding: five regions, known as blue zones, where life expectancy far exceeds the global average.
These zones, dubbed as “Blue Zones”, include Sardinia (Italy), Loma Linda (USA), Icaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Okinawa (Japan). Although they are located on different continents, their inhabitants share habits that, according to Buettner, are key to achieving healthy longevity.
Research reveals that it’s not about extraordinary genes or sophisticated medical treatments. Instead, lifestyle, diet, social connections, and environment play a central role in their well-being and longevity.
The results, published after years of fieldwork, led to a series of recommendations for those seeking to improve their quality of life and extend their life expectancy.
Nine habits that prolong life, according to science
- Moving naturally: Instead of formal exercise, centenarians walk, cultivate, cook, and clean without automation.
- Having a clear purpose: Knowing why you get up every morning can add up to seven years to your life.
- Managing stress: Daily relaxation routines, such as naps, prayer, or a glass at sunset, reduce inflammation and improve health.
- Eating moderately: In Okinawa, they practice “hara hachi bu”: stopping eating when 80% full.
- Plant-based diet: Legumes, whole grains, and vegetables predominate. Meat is only consumed occasionally.
- Alcohol in moderation: In most of these regions, red wine is consumed moderately and in good company.
- Cultivating spirituality: Attending religious services regularly is associated with a longer life expectancy.
- Family first: Living close to loved ones and dedicating quality time to partners and children strengthens well-being.
- Surrounding oneself well: Ties with healthy friends influence positive behaviors and reinforce emotional support.
These teachings not only reveal how the world’s longest-living people live, but also invite us to rethink how we organize our daily lives. Perhaps, the secret to a long life is not in medical advances, but in returning to the essentials.
What are the benefits of blue zones?
The “Blue Zones” offer benefits such as increased life expectancy, lower risk of chronic diseases, and better overall quality of life. These benefits are due to a healthy lifestyle that includes a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, strong social networks, and a sense of purpose.
Specific benefits
- Increased life expectancy: People in the Blue Zones, such as Okinawa in Japan or Icaria in Greece, live significantly longer than the general population.
- Lower risk of chronic diseases: The prevalence of diseases like heart disease, dementia, and cancer is considerably lower in these zones.
- Better mental health: The strong sense of community and life purpose, like “Ikigai” in Okinawa, contributes to better mental health and emotional well-being.
- Increased energy and overall well-being: The combination of a healthy diet, exercise, and an active lifestyle leads to a sense of increased energy and physical well-being.
- Better sleep quality: Adequate rest is essential for overall health, and in the Blue Zones, quality sleep is a priority.
- More sustainable lifestyle: Practices in the Blue Zones, such as consuming local foods and reducing waste, promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
In summary, Blue Zones offer valuable lessons on how to live longer and better, demonstrating that longevity and health are achievable through a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, physical activity, social networks, life purpose, and stress management.
Source: The Mirror US.
