Why Do People In "Blue Zones" Live Longer?
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26 May 2024
There are certain regions of the world where people live longer than average and have lower rates of chronic diseases. These are called "Blue Zones"
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In Blue Zone populations, people tend to live longer and healthier lives, with many surviving into their 90s without diseases
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5 regions are currently known as Blue Zones: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California, USA)
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Studies have shown that people in Blue Zones tend to eat a plant-based diet, exercise regularly and get adequate sleep
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They also habitually fast or restrict their caloric intake and consume alcohol in moderate amount
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Instead of hitting the gym, they get a workout from their normal daily activities. They garden, walk, cook daily, clean, farm, and do other daily chores
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Blue Zones residents place a high value on family and have strong social and spiritual connections. They choose social circles that support healthy behaviours
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They also have a sense of purpose in life and incorporate stress relief in a purposeful, regular manner into daily life, whether through a prayer or a nap
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The term was popularised by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Explorer and journalist during an exploratory project he led in 2004
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The name was derived simply when Mr Buettner and his colleagues used a blue pen to draw circles on a map around locations with long-lived populations
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Mr Buettner concluded that the key to living longer is not only trying to avoid dying but learning how to live well
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