WHAT ARE BLUE ZONES?
The best examples of aging gracefully are provided by the inhabitants of
the world’s Blue Zones. Blue Zones are regions of the world that have been
identified by scientists as areas where people live past age 100 at rates
ten times greater than in the United States. (Residents of the sole American
Blue Zone live four years longer than people in neighboring areas.)
In the following five Blue Zones, inhabitants live longer-than-average
active, robust, and happy lives. Their rates for heart disease and cancer
are a fraction of the rates across America. Even the most elderly residents
of Blue Zones regularly exercise, actively contribute to their communities,
eat tasty food, and maintain intimate relations.
In each of the cultures, scientists have identified common lifestyle characteristics
associated with good health and longevity.
A Peek at Five Blue Zones
Sardinia, Italy
- Home to the highest number of male centenarians in the world
- 91 of the 17,865 people born between 1880 and 1900 have lived to age
100; rate is twice Italy's average
- Community lifestyle revolves around taxing physical work and family
- Whole grain bread, pecorino cheese, and red wine are diet mainstays
- Pecorino is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Local red wine contains the world's highest-known levels of antioxidants
- Life in rocky terrain provides daily exercise
For more information…
Ikaria, Greece
- Over one-third of inhabitants of the northeastern end of Ikaria reach
age 90
- Compared to Americans, Ikarians have:
- 20 percent lower cancer rate and half the rate of heart disease
- Virtually no dementia
- Ikarians drink ancient herbal teas shown to lower blood pressure and decrease the
risk of heart disease and dementia
- Life in mountainous terrain provides daily exercise
- Family and village support create strong sense of community
- Diet is rich in olive oil, vegetables, potatoes, goat's milk, honey,
and beans; low in dairy and meat products
For more information…
Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawans are one of the longest living people in the world
- Compared to Americans, Okinawans have:
- One-fifth the rate of heart disease
- One-fourth the rate of breast and prostate cancers
- One-third less dementia
- Lean diet includes vegetables, tofu, miso soup, and small amounts of
fish and meat
- Locally grown herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables contain anti-cancer
compounds
- Inhabitants engage in the cultural practice of “Hara Hachi Bu,” eating
until only 80 percent full
- Mutual support networks called Moais are maintained throughout one’s
life
- Moai means “meeting for a common purpose”
- Natural social and support groups meet regularly and continue throughout
one’s life
- Strong sense of purpose known as “Ikigai” (“that
which makes one’s life worth living”)
For more information…
Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Largest Blue Zone on earth; home to hundreds of centenarians
- Local water is exceptionally hard
- Hard water is full of minerals such as calcium and magnesium
- Promotes stronger bones
- Benefits overall body function
- MesoAmerican diet of beans, squash, and a special corn tortilla
- Strong family unity and support are hallmarks of local culture
- Daily chores such as clearing underbrush and tending to crops by hand,
and preparing tortillas from scratch without electricity, provide automatic
workouts
For more information…
Loma Linda, California
- Close-knit Seventh Day Adventist community; culture preaches message
of health
- Diet of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables
- Forbids smoking, alcohol, and eating pork
- Adventists observe Saturday as a day of rest
- Socializing with family and friends relieves stress
- Strong sense of community
- Health-oriented lifestyle lowers risk of certain cancers and heart
disease
- Average Adventist lives four years longer than the average Californian
For more information…
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