The Blue Zones

I just finished The Blue Zones: Lessons for living longer from the people who've lived the longest, by National Geographic writer Dan Buettner. The author, along with teams of scientists, studied small pockets in the world's population that had verifiably long lifespans--with rates of centenarians many times what we find in even well-developed countries. Once an area was established as a "Blue Zone," the scientists went about trying to isolate what factors were unique to this area--genetics, climate, diet, social conditions, etc.

They found four zones, small areas in Okinawa, Costa Rica, Sardinia and around Loma Linda, California (home of the Seventh Day Adventists). At the risk of ruining the book for you all, these appear to be the common characteristics of the groups:

1. They eat less. A simple "prayer" said before each meal in the Okinawa group was "hara hachi bu," a Confucius-inspired phrase which translated means "Eat until you are 80% full." Also, in the Blue Zones the biggest meal of the day was eaten early, breakfast or lunch.

2. A simple diet. These people eat none or very few processed foods. Their diets typically consist of many vegetables and some fruits, nuts, beans and grains. Meat eaten sparingly (his words!). Little sugar.

3. Regular and constant labor. Often tending gardens, walking and other physical work, even past 100 years of age.

4. A reason for living. Being needed. Something to do. Generally this involved family. These groups often lived as extended families, with grandparents sharing a roof with their grandchildren. Strong family and social relationships were the norm.

5. Low stress levels. Never with much money or possessions, these people lived in conditions we would associate with poverty. But they worked hard, they socialized and they rested.

6. Typically a good night's sleep--maybe eight hours.

7. Being likable. The folks who lived past 100 were friendly and enjoyable to be around. As a result, they had a lot of close relationships.

8. Religious. Almost always they had great faith in God and generally participated in religious rituals.

9. A lot of time outdoors, and particularly in areas of sunshine. Lots of sun.

10. An appreciation for life--the small things and the daily beauties.

These aren't radical principles, but it's interesting to see them validated in this way. I recommend the book. Even though I've given you the basic principles, the color commentary is worth reading, as are the detailed findings.