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Blue Zones for a Long, Healthy Life
By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributor
I work for The Ohio State
University so it is unusual for me to say, “Go blue.” This
“blue” is not about competing college sports teams. Nor is
this statement about politics – although some political
pressure could help build these blue communities. The theme
of this article is “Blue Zones,” specific locations of the
world where people live long, healthy lives.
Why call them Blue Zones?
Researchers identified Sardinia, Italy as the region of the
world with the most males who live to be at least 100 years
old. The researchers drew blue circles on their maps,
highlighting villages with extreme longevity. They nicknamed
this area the blue zone. Author Dan Buettner, a National
Geographic Fellow, has coined the term Blue Zones as a way
to highlight and learn from the people of these areas. The
five Blue Zones where people live the longest and are the
healthiest are:
Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria,
Greece and Loma Linda, California.
Many Seventh Day Adventists live in Loma Linda and their
lifestyle practices help them live long lives. Obviously,
the centenarians and their communities around the world have
been in existence much, much longer than the term “Blue
Zone” but this current work helps us learn from them.
The current research on the five Blue Zones is listed as
nine specific lifestyle habits called the Power 9. How many
of these nine Blue Zone habits do you employ in your life?
The following quotations are from
https://www.bluezones.com/
1.
Move Naturally
While the gym might be great for many of us, those in the
Blue Zones live in environments that allow them to get their
physical activity through daily life. They get their
exercise by gardening and daily tasks around the home and
yard without all of our mechanical conveniences. Are there
any household chores that could add more physical activity
to your day?
2. Purpose
This is explained as “why I wake up in the morning”.
Research shows that knowing your sense of purpose can add up
to seven years of extra life expectancy. Have you considered
your purpose lately?
3. Down Shift
People everywhere experience stress – including those who
live in Blue Zones. One big difference for those in Blue
Zones is that they have specific routines to counteract
stress. For example, Buettner writes, “Okinawans take a few
moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists
pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour.” How
do you address stress in your life?
4. 80 Percent Rule
Buettner shares that Okinawans say a 2500-year old Confucian
mantra said before meals to remind them to stop eating when
their stomachs are 80 percent full. He explains, “The 20
percent gap between not being hungry and feeling full could
be the difference between losing weight or gaining it.
People in the Blue Zones eat their smallest meal in the late
afternoon or early evening and then they don’t eat any more
the rest of the day.” Do you pay attention and notice
feelings of fullness during the day?
5. Plant Slant
This is the friendly reminder to “make half your plate
fruits and vegetables.” Many of those who live in Blue Zones
eat a lot of beans and lentils for their protein. If they
eat meat, it is seldom and the serving sizes are the
recommended three to four ounces (about the size of a deck
of cards). How does your diet match up? Can you pay
attention to serving sizes and dish up some more fruits and
vegetables?
6. Wine @ 5
Except for Adventists, people in Blue Zones drink alcohol
regularly, in moderation. They drink only one to two two
glasses a day and it is with friends and/or with food.
Buettner reminds us, “No, you can’t save up all week and
have 14 drinks on Saturday.”
7. Belong
The research showed that almost all of the interviewed
centurions belonged to some faith-based community. The
denomination does not seem to matter. “Research shows that
attending faith-based services four times per month will add
four-to-14 years of life expectancy.” How do you strengthen
your spiritual beliefs?
8. Loved Ones First
In Blue Zones, aging parents and grandparents live nearby or
in the home. Not only is it healthy for the older
generation, it is also beneficial for children in the home.
It was found that throughout the decades, most centenarians
commit to a life partner and they spend time with their
children.
9. Right Tribe
“The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born
into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors”
Studies show that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even
loneliness are contagious. Does your social circle support
healthy choices?
Want to learn more? Check
out the website on Blue Zones or check out one of Dan
Buettner’s books from the library. Get out your blue pen and
circle what you can do to add or improve some Blue Zone
concepts to your lifestyle. Information from
www.bluezones.com
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