Blue Zones The Science Of Living Longer – I had the privilege of hearing Dan Buettner speak about longevity at the University of Minnesota yesterday. He is a National Geographic Fellow, author and researcher and has published a NYT bestselling book about the world’s Blue Zones – the geographical locations where the likelihood of living to 100 years and older is much higher. He investigated why life is long in these places. Some of the most important things: People have a purpose that gets them out of bed every day, they eat a predominantly plant-based diet, they belong to faith communities, they are close with family or friends who support each other, and they never stop to work. In one part of Japan there is literally no word for retirement. They have lifestyles or jobs that keep them busy or moving, and they are not sedentary. The other reason they live so long is that they are not lonely – in some of these communities people are divided into small groups of four or five people who they grow up with (not just family) who are always there for them strengthen your back. It is community in its purest form. Here’s a screenshot from Wikipedia of the first five blue zones Dan and his team examined:
And here’s a screenshot from Wikipedia showing what Dan and his team have found to be the most common principles in people living longer:
Blue Zones The Science Of Living Longer
It was so amazing to hear the research and data. From what Dan and his team discovered, there were 9 clear principles that led to longevity, so they defined them as a blueprint for a better life! It’s called “The Power 9”: Essentially, it’s the 9 most life-sustaining and long-lasting aspects of people’s lives that live the longest. Here is a picture from Dan’s website and you can click on the picture to read more about it:
Live To 100′ Explores Why People In ‘blue Zones’ Live Longer Than Average
With the insights of Dan and many other researchers, they have found a way to implement “Blue Zone” strategies in cities that naturally benefit people… They work with governments and communities to create realistic changes that impact the community integrate seamlessly into activity (more parks, sidewalks and bike paths). They work with restaurants to make menus healthier by resetting the defaults (sandwiches come with fruit, if you want fries you have to ask). They work with zoning planners and policymakers to ensure that fast food restaurants do not open near schools. In schools, vegetables are served first in the food line, so children fill themselves up on them first. They actively educate people in like-minded circles so they develop a sense of belonging and community – remember, not being lonely leads to a longer life. The concept is: If you offer something, people will do it.
In Albert Lea, MN – the Blue Zone’s first urban test project (launched in 2009) – seven miles worth of new sidewalks were paved and, naturally, the community became more active. When it’s there, it becomes the natural/easy choice. They opened new restaurants downtown – an area that was getting smaller. It became a tourist destination and had walking trails that made it easier for people to walk downtown. There are fewer fast food restaurants now, so fast food is not the “easy choice.” It’s like they’re intentionally creating a mindful community and people are just drawn to it. The project in Albert Lea, MN was launched almost 10 years ago – here are the current community success stats taken from the website I linked above:
The following progress indicators were reported by the City of Albert Lea in 2015 and date back to 2009 where data was available. Impact of community design improvements
• Above the national and state averages for people who feel active and productive, according to the July 2014 Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index®
In A
•Increased sales by 130.35% in the health market, 12% in fruits and vegetables, 35.31% in frozen fruits and vegetables, 52.3% in water and a decrease of 4.66% in soda sales in the grocery store Hy- Vee from 2009 to 2015
• 18% increase in concession sales from 2014 to 2015 at City Arena after adding healthy options
• 60% increase in breakfast participation from 2014 to 2015 in schools implementing the Grab-n-Go breakfast program
• Dan also said that due to the above changes, the community has lost a total of about 2 tons of weight over the last 10 years.
This Socal Suburb Hailed For Its Five Keys To A Long, Healthy Life.
Blue Zones projects are successful across the country. Currently, there are approximately 25 or more cities in the US and US territories that are already or are becoming Blue Zones, and the results are astonishing: less disease, less smoking, weight loss, greater sense of purpose. Just google “Blue Zones Living” or get the book!
When I hear a motivational speech like this, I take a look at my own life to assess where I’m winning and where I need some work. I have a faith community, I have really great friendships, a strong connection with my family and a loving husband, a dog who keeps me moving, and I meditate and work on mindfulness. What I need to work on: I don’t eat enough fruits or vegetables at all. And even though I have a goal that I care about, I don’t feel like I’m working towards it every day. My soul is searching for more meaningful professional connections, so hearing Dan speak was the perfect reminder to me that this is a key ingredient in life. I moved to Minnesota three years ago and still work mostly in New York – my career is long-distance. I work from home and feel isolated at times, I don’t always check in and the real reason I get out of bed every morning is because my dog drags me out! When I get to do cool things, like hear someone speak, I stand up, beam, and get excited. I was so touched by what I learned yesterday that I jumped on my computer this morning to write it all down and share it with you! That’s definitely a purpose! So I want to do more of these things, share them with my readers, and find meaningful consulting work in MN – so I can happily move into my personal blue zone!!
Have you ever heard of Blue Zones? OR: What do you think are the key factors in your life that allow you to feel happy and feel like your life could last forever? Where are there areas in your life/family/community that you would like to change? What will be your next step? Write to me or leave a comment below!!7 Daily Habits for a Longer, Healthier Life Inspired by the Blue Zones: Shots – Health News Dan Buettner has spent decades studying the lifestyles and diets of people in remote communities research to 100 is more common. Here are life-enhancing habits from these “blue zones.”
Kame Ogito, 89, collects seaweed at low tide in Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. Seaweed is part of the plant-based, low-calorie diet that makes Okinawans the longest-lived people in the world. David McLain/Dan Buettner Hide caption
Blue Zones: Centenarian Modes Of Physical Activity: A Scoping Review
Kame Ogito, 89, collects seaweed at low tide in Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. Seaweed is part of the plant-based, low-calorie diet that makes Okinawans the longest-lived people in the world.
New Year’s Day is usually the day when people resolve to do some things differently. And when it comes to making changes to improve our health, there is plenty of research on what changes can lead to a healthier life.
While we always hope that something magical will catapult us to good health – a superfood or a new exercise trend – the reality is much more mundane. What we eat, how we exercise, how much we sleep, and how well we handle stress and social contact can really make a difference.
And at a time when life expectancy in the U.S. has fallen and diet-related diseases are a leading cause of death, it’s no wonder Dan Buettner’s decades-long study of centenarians thriving in the longest-lived communities on Earth is attracting a lot of attention. In his book and Netflix series, The Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer, Buettner takes us to five communities around the world with the highest concentrations of centenarians.
Will Travelling To A Blue Zone Help You Live Longer?
From the mountain villages of Sardinia to the islands of Okinawa, Büttner introduces us to people who work in the garden, cook, sing, laugh and play. Their weathered skin and slow gaits do not prevent them from leading a full, if simple, life.
“People in the blue zone don’t think about their health, about a diet or about an exercise program. They do nothing other than live their lives,” says Büttner.
For most of us, swapping places with these villagers isn’t feasible, but we can learn from their simple habits and customs: Here are some ways to swap old habits for new ones, inspired by the blue zones.
People in long-lived communities, what Dan Buettner calls “blue zones,” incorporate exercise into their daily lives by gardening, working the land and spending time outdoors. David McLain/Dan Buettner Hide caption
A Complete Blue Zones Diet Food List And 7 Day Meal Plan
People in long-lived communities who