Learn from the Blue Zones
What can we learn from the Blue Zones? There is a lot we can learn from the Blue Zones. What and where are they? Blue Zone” is a non-scientific term given to geographic regions home to some of the world’s oldest people. Coined by the author Dan Buettner, who is studying areas of the world in which people live exceptionally long lives. In his book called The Blue Zones, Buettner described five known Blue Zones:
Ikaria, Greece, is famous for its Mediterranean diet, which has received plenty of attention for its health attributes. The diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Okinawa, Japan. It’s home to the world’s longest-lived women. Their diet consists mainly of sweet potatoes, turmeric, soybeans, and a bitter melon called Goya.
Sardinia, Italy. A mountainous highland, an island. It has the highest concentration of men over 100 years old. They’re known to have a low-protein diet associated with lower rates of diabetes and cancer.
Loma Linda, California. A community with the highest concentration of Seventh-day Adventists in the United States. Some residents live ten more healthy years than the average American. They follow a biblical diet of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Central America boasts the world’s lowest middle-age mortality rate and a high concentration of male centenarians. Their longevity secret? Partly, strong faith in communities and deep social networks. They also have habits of regular, low-intensity physical activity.
There’s much to learn from those living in these five regions.
In all five places, the common factor is primarily a plant-based diet. The Blue Zones Project® began because of these healthy habits at the heart. They use the wisdom of the original blue zones. Currently, they’re in almost 50 communities around the country. They focus on improving their community population’s health while reducing healthcare costs.
Blue Zones Projects are whole communities that come together for all their members. They involve local policies and infrastructure, creating places where a healthy choice is easy. Technically, Loma Linda itself isn’t in the real Blue Zone. A third of its 24,196 residents are part of a tight-knit community. They value physical and mental habits, helping them live long, healthy, vibrant lives.
Did you know that loneliness can shave eight years off your life?
It’s not one or two big things but several little things that add up to longevity. Diet is just one part of the picture, While social activity, community, and a strong sense of purpose are other integral factors. Life’s meaning and purpose drive them. They’re investing in family, keeping their minds engaged. There’s no existential stress of being worthless in life.
Many other Americans have genuine concerns about outliving their money. As in the other four Blue Zones, the oldest people in Loma Linda tend to be frugal with money. They have saved and invested in their retirement. Their habits and a strong sense of community give them an added advantage. They know how to manage and make their money last.
Marcia Santos Sadler
The Financologist
