I’ve been running at top speed the last few weeks…something I normally try not to do. This led to a few sleepless nights. And then I got a cold. I hardly ever get a cold and I didn’t want to give in. I pulled out all my “get rid of the cold” tricks and put them into play: garlic, extra sleep, rubbing my feet with vicks vapor rub, meditation, laughter yoga and my smile therapy. Plus, I put aside all my “Zen Mama” work at night and I read a good book. One that inspired me to get better faster and live a longer life with no disease. The book that inspired me is The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest by Dan Buettner. The book shows that by improving lifestyle, “people can look and feel better at every age and add 12 years to their life expectancy”. In fact, I like it so much, I’m going to give the book away to one of you.
In 2004 Dan Buettner wrote an aritcle for National Geographic about people who were living longer lives without debilitating diseases. He traveled around the world with lovgevity experts and found pockets in the world where people were living to 100 years – 10 times more often than people in the US. He and his team found five places in the world and tried to find their secrets to a healthy longevity.
The book is an easy read with lots of stories about the Centenarians. Here are the 5 identified Blue Zones:
Sardinia, Italy
This island is off the coast of Italy and is home to some of the longest living men. They come from an ancient culture, have respect for elders and loyalty to family. They also drink a stong wine called Cannonau.
Okinawa’s Ushi Okushima still gardening at age 109 from The Blue Zone
Okinawa is part of small culster of islands off the coast of Japan. Here the researchers found Japan’s longest living people. They love family, small amounts of food and finding a purpose in life.
Loma Linda, CA
The Seventh Day Adventist’s community in Loma Linda, has the most centenarians in the US. Faith, purpose and eating a mostly plant based diet might be part of their secret.
Ikaria, Greece
Ikaria, a Greek island in the Aegean Sea is another Blue Zone. People here are three times more likely to reach age 90 than in the U.S. They don’t get as much cancer, heart disease or much dementia. This chapter started with one of my favorite stories. Short version: a man with cancer (who had immigrated to the US) came back to his old home, Ikaria, to die at 65. When Dan Buettner met him, he was over 100!
Nicoya Costa Rica
This area of Costa Rica has some of the healthiest centenarians. They were hard workers with many gardens, their family lived nearby and they have a “plan de vida”! (purpose)
9 Ways to Thrive and Live A Long Life!
Dan Buettner’s team of medical researchers, anthropologists, demographers, and epidemiologists found that all these cultures shared these 9 traits:
1. Move Naturally – Centarians don’t go to a gym. They move naturally, bending, walking often gardening. They are outside all the time, moving! Yoga is a great activity helps to keep moving naturally if we don’t do as much as these centenarians.
2. Have A Purpose – In Okinawa it’s “Ikigai” (icky-guy) and in Costa Rica call it “plan de vida”. In other words… “It’s why I wake up in the morning.” Know that a sense of purpose is worth more healthy older years.
3. No Stress – Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. I love what Dan Buettner writes:
“Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour.”
4. 80% Rule – “Hara hachi bu” – the Okinawans say this before their meals. It’s translation means to stop eating when they are 80% full. It’s a 2500-year old Confucian saying said before meals. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. All Blue Zone people eat their largest meal at mid-day and their smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening.
5. Plant based diet – Most Blue Zone people can’t afford to eat a lot of meat. Meat is eaten maybe five times per month. Most eat their own vegetables or buy them at a local market.
6. Wine @ 5 – Most people in the 5 Blue Zones (not the Adventists) drink alcohol regularly, 1-2 glasses a day. They often have the drinks with friends, family and often with food. This time helps them let go of stress and keep them connected. An interesting fact: Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers.
7. Belong In A Community – Most centenarians were part of a community and connected to faith, whether it is a church based or praying to the ancestors. That didn’t seem to matter.
8. Loved Ones – Successful centenarians in the Blue Zones have close ties to family. Grandparents and other relatives are a big part of their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
9. Be Part Of the Right Tribe – The centenarians chose to be with people who also have their healthy behaviors. Obesity, unhappiness, smoking and other bad habits can be contagious. So can positive thinking, eating healthy and exercising. Chose your tribe carefully.
Here is Dan Buettner when he spoke at TED in 2009. This video is 22 minutes long but totally worth it! You’ll feel better after watching it.
I’m giving away a copy of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest away! Leave a comment below to win Dan Buettner’s book and let me know what you do or would like to do to live a longer and happier life.
Other great posts this week:
Ever Tried Manifesting Your Desires
It’s Awesome To Be A Manifester
The Secret Life Of You And Plants
I found this information and the images found http://www.bluezones.com
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I would say positive thoughts to myself every single day, and think of the positive side of almost anything that is happening in my life right now, including positive thoughts about the people who are around me. And most importantly, to attain long-term happiness, I will strive not to allow others’ remarks and actions to disturb my peace of mind.
If I want to achieve something which I think is the right thing to achieve, I will allocate sufficient time every day to do the things that will make me achieve that, be it health and longevity, success, a good social status, exam grades, or other goals which I deem right and meaningful. On top of that, to keep me motivated and fit, I will exercise at least an hour everyday.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:23 am
Wonderful Shermin!! All good things that I strive for, too.
Thanks for the comment!
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Dear Betsy-
What a great post – perfect timing with spring just around the corner. I always feel a sense of re-awakening. I have read about the blue zones before but not about Dan Buettner. What great advice- it is all common sense but then again, how many of us ‘use’ it in today’s culture? I used to be a gym rat- I couldn’t live without it- today, I don’t go to the gym at all-rowing is not my ‘muscle toner’ and aerobics, along with gardening, walking, biking, and some yoga. It is a RELIEF being outdoors and exercising – much more natural and healthy. Am glad you’re feeling better. xxoo-Fran
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:24 am
I couldn’t agree more about exercising outside! Now that Spring is in the air, it makes exercise that much more appealing although here in Colorado March and April are our snowiest months!! But I love being out in the snow, too!
Thanks for the comment!
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A post about how life really should be with the bonus of living longer! Thanks for the reminders Betsy. I want to be around a long, long time for my children.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:25 am
I agree Terry! And to be healthy around our children, too, besides living longer!
Thanks for the comment!
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What great ideas to living a happier, longer life! Thank you for sharing!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:25 am
Monica,
So nice to see your name! Glad you enjoyed and hope you’re all doing well at the Morin house!
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Loved going through the post Betsy!
The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest – seems to be an inspiring book according to what I could make out as all that you shared IS what’s really needed to make our lives more meaningful. And once our life has a meaning, and we follow these 9 traits – we would live long!
According to me, even if our life is short or not long – it should be a one with meaning. We all need to have a purpose in our lives, which makes it all the more meaningful. I for one believe in reaching out and connecting with as many people as possible, and trying to help them in whatever way I can, which I try doing through my blog as it was started with that one purpose. It wasn’t for living long! But if you are happy doing what you do, lead a stress free life, are able to make others happy, and just learn to live in the moment – you are leading a life of purpose.
Thanks for sharing.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:26 am
Harleena,
I think you’d really enjoy the book! You are certainly living with a purpose with your wonderful blog and helping people to live better lives!
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I recently left my corporate
Job to live a life of purpose, focused primarily on my family and young children. My great, great, great grandmother lived to 100 and I was fortunate to meet her twice on my lifetime. I hope to continue that tradition with my my children’s, children, children. Thanks for giving me inspiration today!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:27 am
Nadege,
How wonderful to have the example of your grandmother as motivation. So glad you enjoyed the post today and thanks for the comment!
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This is great info Betsy…fascinating to discover so many similarities between peoples who live all over the globe. Consciousness is an amazing thing to watch. I need to read this book.
Thank you so much for the link to my site..
Love Elle
xoxo
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:28 am
Isn’t it fascinating Elle, that so many people have the same traits. Humans are an amazing study.
xoxo
Betsy
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very intresting!!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:54 am
Glad you enjoyed Betty!!
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I would like to live a healthier life by being easier with myself. This will in turn allow me to feel much less stressed. I am An extremely healthy vega & exercise regularly. I also sleep about 8 hours every night. I do alot of work spiritually but still am way tk rough on myself. I know this is creating stress and inflammation in my body. This is something that is very important for me to turn around
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:42 am
Kim,
It sounds like you’re well on your way with the exercise and eating/sleeping habits. Interesting that you still have stress… try to start letting some of that go…very easy to say and sometimes very hard to do.
Thanks for the comment!
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Wow Besty you did a great job with this post. Love to me is the first key. You have to give love and except love. Laugh a lot and yes, I like waking up in the morning and enjoying what every the day may bring.
Dan covers about everything and it comes down to life style and attitude. I with the not retiring group. You might not want to continue a career, but there is nothing wrong with starting a new job or career at any age. We do have to have purpose.. With out purpose we wonder, ‘What am I even doing here?’
Thank you for starting my week off great.
Debbie XXX
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:44 am
Debbie,
So glad you enjoyed! I couldn’t agree more with all your points, especially the love! And I’m beginning to think that no one should ever retire. My father loves to work and yet can’t find a job. He had an interview yesterday at 77! I hope he could still keep going! Love and purpose are definitely two key points!!
Thanks for the comment!
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Wow, so much to love about this post, plus a new book to add to my ‘must read soon’ list! I love the idea of how a ‘why I wake up in the morning’ statement contributes to quality and length of a life. Makes perfect sense to me, and I’m sure Simon Sinek would agree
Great post Betsy!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:46 am
Sandi,
Glad you enjoyed the idea of “ikigai”. It was one of my favorite parts of the book! I know you’ll enjoy reading it.
Thanks for the comment!
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A good friend of mine from Asia who studies healing told me last summer that I needed to “be under the stars, be in water without chlorine & that my puppy would save me”. After she said this she dropped me off at home & hundreds of dragonflies were swarming in front of my house all around me, green ones, blue ones, all colors. I’d never seen anything like it. Dragonflies symbolize renewal, prosperity (not money but life), and also change. They can also symbolize caution, that there is something there that you can’t see. Places mentioned in your Blue Zone that spoke to me were Greece and Costa Rica as the people there seem to not only live off the land but are a part of it. I’ve been to both & fell in love with both. Montana also seems that way to me so I went up there last summer with my kids. Thinking of my friend, I camped under the stars, swam in the rivers & lakes and saw family and friends. I felt renewed. I wish I could keep that free feeling of joy all the time. Somehow I need to learn how to bottle that outlook so I can sip it each evening and dream of the freedom that comes when you live a life the way you are meant to live it.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:49 am
AJ,
I loved reading your comment! So interesting what your friend said. And the dragonflies must have been amazing! I love dragonflies. Connecting with nature is also a big part of my life. But sometimes it’s not possible to do in our busy lifestyles. I am often the same way on a trip and then it slips away after being home for a week. The key is bringing home what you’ve experienced on these trips and somehow holding on to it. I think, from what you’ve written that you’d really enjoy the book!
Thanks for the wonderful comment!
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Surely enjoyed reading your post. I am ready to pack my bags to visit all the Blue Zones. Peace Love <3 SMILES
to ALL!!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:49 am
I’m ready to go, too, Lynne! So glad you enjoyed!
And thanks for the comment!
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Hi Betsy,
I believe I saw the 60 minutes episode regarding the Blue Zones. It is an eye opener t read how each group lives and great tips for tweaking our lives. Simple always seems to be better than making life complicated. The yoga for me, is something that I know will help with longevity. Great post!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:51 am
Cathy,
I think I may have seen that 60 minutes, too, because something about the book was very familiar. I just love yoga, too, but have trouble finding time for it during the school year. Love my summers where I can live more simply!! So glad you enjoyed!!
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I was so excited to read this post today and would love, love, LOVE to win a copy of the book. I read the NY Times article a while ago about the Greek island of Ikaria, and the man who made his miraculous recovery after he moved back there.
I’ve had a lot of this on my brain lately and my real desire is to create a commune or communal living arrangement. I’m just coming off the “baby years” (my kids are 6 and 3 now) and it is just so obvious how we live in such an unnatural way and how it’s not good for us at all!
Anyways, thanks for sharing. Even if I don’t win this is going on my “to read” wish list. And I’m sharing this post even though it may diminish my odds of winning
Live long and prosper!
haha.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:52 am
Susan,
Isn’t the cancer story and returning to Ikaria amazing? It’s one of my favorite parts of the book. Having kids definitely makes you rethink our life and maybe not buying into everything our culture says we should do. I’ve struggled with that for years!
Thanks so much for your wonderful comment!
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Very enjoyable post with some great tips for sustained health, although I have no interest at all in living to be 100, personally. That seems way too long to me. But I do hope to be healthy and happy for however long I do live (and given the genes in my family, I suppose it could happen anyway!)
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:29 am
Jennifer,
I completely understand not wanting to live to 100. I think being healthy and happy while you’re alive is the important thing, too.
Thanks for the comment!
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I’ve read online many times about the Blue Zones. If I don’t win this, I at least need to add it to my “to read” list!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:31 am
Heather,
It was the first time I’ve heard about the project although I did hear about the Okinowans before.
Thanks for the comment!
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I am so glad you’re feeling better, dear Betsy! This is a beautiful post. I have realized during Feb thanks to my accident (and I am truly grateful!) that in our rush through life, ironically we miss life! I’ve slowed down and spent a lot of time offline doing things I’ve had on my “want to do” list!
I would love to read Dan’s book, Betsy.
Thanks for a very inspiring post. I am going to come back and read it often!
Love, Vidya.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:32 am
Vidya,
So glad you enjoyed the post! And I’m so glad you’re found positive (why am I not surprised!) in the negative. I think you’d really love his book.
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Hi Betsy,
You have shown an amazing lesson to our people to live longer lives..People may say that you don’t have control over when you die.
However this study gives you hope that you can live longer than you expect when you follow the principles of the people living in the blue zone..
Thank you so much for this lovely article and it is a great pleasure to be at Zen-Mama, Betsy.
Sincerely,
rAFI
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:33 am
I hope I can follow some of the 9 traits and live healthier and happier while I am alive.
So glad to have you here Rafi! Thanks for the comment. I’ll check out your blog.
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Thank you for sharing! And thank you for the chance to win a copy that can change live. If I won, I would read it, apply it and then share it. Instead of keeping my books to myself I always pass them on to someone or leave them in places where someone will find them. I love reading and learning to find peace and joy in life.
Thanks again.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:34 am
Bette,
I love the idea of sharing the book! How wonderful! I often do that, too. I can’t read enough and then love to talk about all the books I’ve read.
Thanks for the comment.
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I love this post! I think for those of us in the US, the stress issue is huge. And also how elders are viewed in a culture seems to play a big role in longevity. This kind of study can teach us so much! And whether we live to 100 or not, these tips can improve our quality of our years. Thank you!
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:35 am
Thank you Galen! I agree that stress is the big problem here. I also wish that we appreciated our elders more in our culture. Maybe that will continue to change but we have a long way to go…
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I’m much better at handling stress now than I used to be. I just let go of some of it. It’s not worth holding on to.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:36 am
Letting go has been a big lesson for me in life. I practice it all the time! It’s the best way to lighten stress and anxiety.
Thanks for the comment!!
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What a fascinating read, Fran. Thanks for sharing! Most of the 9 traits sound like common sense, but we are so often frantically going our ways that we forget. I loved the point about the plant based diet as this is something I’ve been experimenting with. I’m not there yet, but my eating habits have gotten a lot healthier over the last few months. I also find it fascinating that belonging seems to play a huge part in how old you get. It’s in our genes to want to belong to something that’s bigger than ourselves, but I never thought that this would also make an impact on our age.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:39 am
Anne-Sophie,
I agree that these traits seem like common sense! But we always need reminders, don’t we? I’m eating more of a plant based diet with no plans of taking meat totally out of it. But it seems to make sense to eat less. I love the idea about belonging, too. We seem so busy in our “middle age” but it’s the bonds we make in life that keep us going.
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I’m so sorry for calling you Fran, Betsy. Got confused… *embarrassed*
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:28 am
No worries!!!
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I hated myself being so cook up on anything that ruffle my feather. I have since being nice to myself by not taking things too seriously which have make me sick. Not an easy thing to do but by mediating and prayers, slowly I’ve see some improvement.
Great post of reminding how I must live life to the fullest.
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Betsy Reply:
March 13th, 2013 at 5:40 am
So glad you enjoyed Susanna! Thanks for the comment!
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my mother – simple – the strongest will in all things! maybe you can explore this and find your next book!
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