Blue Zones: Honoring Ancient Practices
Ever wondered why some people seem to defy age and live to 100 or more with a smile on their face? Some secrets may lie in the simple and magical regions known as Blue Zones.
Blue Zones are five regions around the world where the highest percentage of inhabitants live to be 100. These areas were first identified by author and researcher Dan Buettner, who worked with National Geographic to study why people in these regions lived longer than the global average.
The five Blue Zones are:
Okinawa, Japan: Home to the longest-lived women, Okinawa residents often live into their 90s or 100s. The culture emphasizes strong social networks, movement, and a plant-based diet.
Sardinia, Italy: In the mountainous regions of Sardinia, particularly among men, there is a high rate of centenarians. The Sardinians’ diet is rich in vegetables, whole grains, and olive oil. There is community, laughter, and movement.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: This region has a low rate of middle-age mortality, and people here tend to live past 100. The Nicoyans focus on family and strong social bonds, their diet includes beans, corn, and tropical fruits.
Ikaria, Greece: Ikarians are known for their low rates of chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia. A Mediterranean diet and an active lifestyle are key to their longevity.
Loma Linda, California, USA: Home to a large population of Seventh-day Adventists, who live 10 years longer than the average American. They follow a vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and place a strong emphasis on community and spiritual wellbeing.
Simplafyi is proud to introduce a new Blue Zones inspired workshop, led by a board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine to our Program Catalog. This hour-long workshop considers how lifestyle choices affect health, happiness, wellbeing, and longevity. Learn more here.
Buettner’s studies illuminated how nutrition, community, movement, purpose, and spirituality contributed to the health & wellbeing of people living in Blue Zones. Treating health and wellbeing as a holistic experience helps to create a balanced lifestyle that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.
Sources:
Blue Zones, The Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner
American College of Lifestyle Medicine + Blue Zones partnership
