Longevity & Blue Zones

Imagine my excitement when I saw the recent special issue of National Geographic about Blue Zones and how to live a long and happy life.  I encourage everyone to get a copy of this magazine if you are interested in an amazing lifestyle.  I read it through in one sitting and feel so inspired that I handed it over to Mom so she could get excited about new ways of cooking.  Yes, I have hopes of teaching an old dog new tricks.  One positive thing about my mother is that she always gets on board with my goal setting for my long life.  She may not be so interested for herself but she knows this has been a life long goal of mine.  People always look at me as though I am really nuts when I say “I’d like to live to 116”.  116?  Yep.

In the bits of retirement coaching they recommend 6 pieces in a pie, Financial, Physical, Health, Social, Hobbies and Spirit.  In the Blue Zones they have broken it down a little more, into 9 parts of a pyramid.  The two styles have all the same components but the Blue Zones is a little more in-depth in breaking down social and eating habits. 

1.       Movement – constant movement

2.       Purpose “why I wake up in the morning” – hobbies, passion, adventure, the sky’s the limit

3.       Downshift – to shed stress prayer, naps, happy hour, reverence

4.       80% rule – eat only until you are 80% full

5.       Plant slant – more vegetarian based diet that includes beans

6.       Wine – yes, those who drink moderately (1-2 glass of wine a day) live longer than teetotalers

7.       Right tribe – social circles support healthy behaviors.  A moais is a group of 5 friends who are committed to each other for life!  (how cool is that?)

8.       Community – attending faith based services 4 times a month can add years to one’s life!

9.       Loved ones first – successful centenarians put family first.

What I found additionally exciting is that there are a number of communities in the United States and elsewhere in the world that have taken on commitments to the Blue Zones lifestyle with excellent success.  Dan Buettner is the author of this issue who has also written several books on the topic – I am going to get my hands on these books!

Anything worthwhile must start with yourself buying into the idea, working the idea and feeling very passionate about all aspects.  We cannot cherry pick what we like if we are going to live to 100 and beyond.  We need to commit most importantly to healthy eating but improving our social commitments is a very close second.  I’m definitely in.  What do you think?