The Blue Zones

Are you in the zone? This review of the book, The Blue Zones, by Dan Buettner examines areas in the world where the longest living people live and explains what they are doing to live healthy, older lives. Published in 2008, this book shares the secrets of centenarians and offers suggestions for everyone who aspires to make it to 100. The chapters include:

1. The Truth About Living Longer - It's not just about getting to 100. Instead, it's about living a full life and aging well. And it's about the wisdom that these elders can share with everyone. The author states, "From them, we can all learn how to create our own personal Blue Zones and start on the path to living longer, better lives." This chapter also includes some of the latest research from anti-aging experts.

2. The Sardinian Blue Zone - The author spoke to several centenarians who live in Sardinia, Italy, many of whom live in the Barbagia region. Many of them live at home with children or grandchildren and continue to be active. The main practices are:

  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, beans and whole grain breads. Meat is eaten only occasionally.
  • Strong family values
  • Drink goat's milk
  • Honor your elders
  • Walk. Many of the shepherds in Sardinia walk fie miles a day or more.
  • Drink a glass of red wine daily
  • Laugh. Laughter can reduce stress which is a major contributor to aging.

3. The Blue Zone in Okinawa - Located about 1000 miles from Tokyo, Okinawa is home to some of the world's longest living people. Their common practices are:

  • Have a purpose in life.
  • Eat a plant-based diet. Okinawans eat sweet potatoes, tofu and stir-fried vegetables. Meat is eaten only on special occasions and then only a little. Specifically, eat more soy.
  • Plant a garden. Not only are the vegetables fresh, it provides stress relief and exercise. Plant herbs with medicinal qualities.
  • Spend time with friends of a regular basis.
  • Get outside in the sun. Although we're all concerned with the UV rays, a little sun each day provides our bodies with enough vitamin D.
  • Stay active
  • Be friendly.

4. An American Blue Zone - This zone is located in Loma Linda, California. A large group of Seventh-day Adventists live in this city and as a group, they lead the US in life expectancy. Their practices include:

  • Observe a Sabbath. Specifically take a break from your normal routine and focus on God, family and nature.
  • Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Spend time with friends
  • Eat nuts
  • Volunteer
  • Eat a plant-based diet. Only eat meat in moderation
  • Eat dinner early and keep it light
  • Drink lots of water

5. Discovering Costa Rica's Blue Zone - Researchers interviewed people living on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica to discover their longevity secrets. They include:

  • Have a life purpose
  • Drink water containing calcium
  • Focus on family
  • Eat a light dinner
  • Have lots of friends
  • Work hard
  • Get some sun

6. Your Personal Blue Zone - This final chapter offers strategies based on the blue zones to help you make your own longevity plan. These include:

  • Get exercise on a regular basis through everyday activities.
  • Only eat until you are no longer hunger, not until you are full.
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat.
  • Drink red wine in moderation.
  • Have a purpose for your life.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Participate in a community of faith.
  • Put your family first.
  • Surround yourself with people of like values.

I found The Blue Zones to be interesting and easy to read. If offers suggestions and anti-aging tips that I've found in my research as well. Information on many of these ideas can be found throughout this website. This is a well researched and well written book.

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