Learning From Those Who Have Lived the Longest and Healthiest
You Have the Power to Become One of Them.
In the early 2000s, a team of National Geographic researchers set out to study the lifestyles and habits of people living the longest lives around the world. The study determined five areas across the globe with high concentrations of people living into their late 90s and early 100s. These longevity pockets came to be known as the “Blue Zones” and included the following locations (1):
Ikaria, Greece
Okinawa, Japan
Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica
Loma Linda, California
Sardinia, Italy
The point of emphasis here is that these healthy populations were living longer lives as well as thriving in their later years. In public health terms, we call this the “compression of morbidity.” The study found nine commonalities amongst these various populations, known as the Blue Zones Power 9 (TM) (1). The nine essential healthy habits these communities exhibited were:
Having the right tribe or social circle (friends supporting each other’s healthy behaviors)
Having a sense of community (faith-based organization or event-centric communities working for a common mission/goal)
Plant-slanted diet (fiber-heavy diet of fruits/vegetables/beans/whole grains with small amounts of meat)
Eating until 80% full rule
Moving naturally
A sense of purpose (something to live for beyond one’s occupation)
Ability to downshift (healthy stress-shedding routine)
Putting their loved ones first
Friends @ 5 (daily afternoon social engagement)
Upon completing this National Geographic study, Dan Buettner, one of the team researchers, started the first Blue Zones Project to bring these lifestyle-based principles to needed areas within the United States. I had the privilege of being a member of the Blue Zones Project in SW Florida.
The life-radius, where we live, eat, work, and play, is instrumental to creating wellness in our lives and the lives of others. By intentionally setting up our environment to nudge us towards healthy behaviors, we can “make the healthy choice, the easy choice.”
Why is this important? Because at the heart of it, genes and biology determine only 5% of our health, which may be a surprising yet liberating fact to many. The other 95% influencing health determinants are social & economic factors, health behaviors, the physical environment, and medical care. This fact is empowering because we have the capacity to set ourselves up for success. The choices we make now affect the trajectory of our health/longevity course.
Key Points and Call-To-Action
Genes account for less than 5% of your health determinates.
We can learn from other cultures who have made + lifestyle choices over their lifetimes to minimize the risk of poor health
Healthy, supportive connections and frequent face-to-face socialization makes us stronger
We need to take time out to downshift healthily to rest and restore balance to our bodies
Moving naturally and having a sense of purpose keeps our bodies and minds ready for action and engagement
High fiber diets boost longevity
Set up your personal wellness zone for yourself and those you love. YOU ARE WORTH IT.
More on these particular topics to come!
References
Buettner, Dan. “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” (Washington: National Geographic Partners, 2008).
*Please share this newsletter with others who may benefit. We can change our collective health by assisting others.
**As always, please consult your physician before making changes to your health regimen. The information provided is for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended for treatment or diagnosis.
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