The Blue Zones
Have you heard of the "Blue Zones"?
They are areas around the world where people consistently live over 100 years old. Not just "live", they THRIVE - they are happy and healthy. They suffer a fraction of the diseases that commonly kill people in other parts of the world. The five regions discussed in the book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest. So, where are these areas? They are 1) Sardinia, Italy, 2) Okinawa, Japan, 3) Loma Linda, California, 4) Nicoya, Costa Rica, and 5) Icaria, Greece.
I took this picture while visiting my sweet 77-year-old mom last week in California. I gave her The Blue Zones book while visiting, although she already has many habits in place that support living a long, healthy life! She has created her little blue zone without even realizing it! She walks regularly, she has a sweet group she meets weekly for "happy hour," she goes to church on Balboa Island every day, she eats healthy, and she connects with her four daughters multiple times a week.
I live in Austin, Texas, and I try to create a little "blue zone" for our family of five. I read the book years ago and was so inspired. I am plant-based and pretty active, so my goal was to implement the other factors that promote longevity. Those factors include: have a purpose, downshift, 80% rule (eat until @ 80% full), belong (faith community), hold your loved ones close (relationships and strong social networks matter). The Blues Zones national health organization created by Dan Buettner is conducting an assessment to determine if they should implement their Blue Zone project in ATX… meaning they will encourage community organizations, restaurants, schools, big businesses, and grocery stores to work together to improve health in small ways. I am crossing my fingers they move forward with the plan!
I love The Blue Zone's message because it encourages good health but not at the sacrifice of happiness and FUN :). As author Dan Buettner says, "Eat your vegetables, have a positive outlook, be kind to people, and smile."
If you want to learn more about The Blue Zones, I recommend the following resources:
1) Read the book: The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest.
2) Visit the website: https://www.bluezones.com
3) Follow Dan Buettner on Instagram: @danbuettner