Live “Blue” to Live Longer and Better
Did you know there are specific locations around the world where people tend to live longer? These populations are healthier than average, too.
You may be wondering where these places are; and more importantly, what these communities are doing differently from the rest of us.
The good news is that you don’t have to live within these populations to benefit from their longevity and healthspan secrets.
What Are the Blue Zones?
Researchers who study aging define “blue zones” as geographic areas where the proportion of people living past the age of 90 is significantly above average.
As of 2022, these researchers have identified six distinct blue zones worldwide. They are:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy
- Ogliastra Province, Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- The Island of Ikaria, Greece
- The Seventh Day Adventist community of Loma Linda, California
While separated widely from each other geographically, there are common denominators with regard to lifestyle practices amongst the older citizens within these communities.
Diet and Eating Habits
People who live within blue zones share a number of dietary practices. These include:
- A mainly plant-based diet, consisting mostly of fruit, vegetables, nuts, and mushrooms. They eat very little by way of animal protein.
- Almost no red meat. The small amount of animal protein consumed by these populations is usually poultry or fish.
- Healthy fats. The dietary fats consumed by people living in blue zones come mostly from olives, olive oil, seeds, nuts, and avocados.
- Only complex carbonates. Blue zone diets include whole grains and very little by way of simple carbohydrates.
- Lots of spices. The cuisines found within many blue zones include spices like turmeric, oregano, parsley, and thyme. These seasonings don’t just make food taste better. They also reduce inflammation.
- Fewer calories. People living in blue zones don’t starve themselves, but they also don’t overeat. Most stop eating when they’re about 80% full, knowing their appetite will dissipate in 20 to 30 minutes.
Other Healthy Lifestyle Choices
People living in blue zones don’t just have healthier eating habits. They also adhere to other lifestyle choices that contribute to good health and longevity. These include:
- No smoking and minimal alcohol consumption.
- Strong social networks. People in these areas are surrounded by a support group of family and friends.
- Exercise. Blue zone residents include exercise as part of their regular daily activities. Cars and public transportation are often unavailable in these areas.
- Stress management. Afternoon naps, meditation, and other stress-reducing activities like tai chi and yoga are often part of everyday life in these communities.
- Purpose. Most older residents living within blue zones are involved in their communities and have a strong sense of purpose in their lives.
- Work. Retirement is an unknown concept in most blue zone communities, and residents often keep working into their later years. Many work on family farms or in family businesses. Others help with household tasks within multigenerational households.
- Sleep. Most people living in blue zones get 7 hours of sleep or more each night. And afternoon naps are often part of the local culture in blue zones.
You Can Live “Blue”, Too
Not living in a blue zone doesn’t mean you can’t adopt the healthy habits that are common within these communities. The lifestyles common to these populations provide important insights as to what the rest of us can do to extend lifespan while simultaneously retaining a high quality of life.
At Renew Youth, we’re here to provide guidance on lifestyle choices that will help to add years to your life. Want to learn more? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to set up your free 30-minute consultation.
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