all right guys did you know that there are communities around the world where the average life expectancy is way higher than average these communities known as blue zones have the highest concentration of people living to over a hundred years old and it's not just because of genetics today we're going to dive into the blue zones and uncover their secrets for longevity hint we can all apply these principles to our own lives so make sure to subscribe to our Channel and let's go what are blue zones in the early 2000s a team of researchers studied longevity in a region of Sardinia Italy this is where Dan buettner one of the researchers first coined the term blue Zone to identify areas where people live statistically longer lives after Sardinia he identified four other blue zones throughout the world Dan is a jack of all trades a researcher Explorer and New York Times best-selling author oh and he also holds three Guinness World Records for endurance cycling Dan is a hot commodity with everyone from Oprah to Dr Oz wanting Prime Time interviews with him he delivered a TED Talk titled how to live to be a hundred plus which gained millions of views one thing is clear this Adventurer has certainly LED an interesting life and would probably be an excellent dinner party guest after licensing the term blue Zone to identify Sardinia he created the Blue Zone certification which identifies the criteria and common traits of these regions the goal is to figure out what makes the Blue Zone so unique why people who live in them live longer happier lives and then take those unique characteristics and expand them to the general population by creating new blue zones so why is all of this such a big deal well the main reason is because the average life expectancy in the United States is currently 77 years old worldwide the average life expectancy is 72 years old but in the blue zones people are consistently living to over a hundred years old a centenarian is someone who is over a hundred years old and the blue zones are chock full of them furthermore a super centenarian is someone who is over 110 years old and the blue zones have more of these than anywhere else so what gives how is this possible well let's visit these regions and find out where are the five blue zones number one Sardinia the first Blue Zone as mentioned is the Mediterranean island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy here you'll find 10 times more centenarians per thousand people than in the United States okay what's their C secret well sardinians live simple traditional lives marked with good fresh food strong family ties and a sense of community many people here still hunt and gather whether it's fishing or growing their own food people eat significantly Less meat than other countries around the world meat is usually consumed only on special occasions and Sundays the rest of the time the main diet is made up of whole grains fruits vegetables and pecorino cheese which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids grandparents are celebrated in this culture and are often living with their children or grandchildren walking is the main form of exercise which offers great cardiovascular benefits without any harsh impacts on bones or joints our favorite part of this culture is that they drink red wine every day in moderation also interesting is that the men in this culture are known for their sense of humor and they often meet in the street for laughter and poking fun um let's move here this place sounds fantastic finally goat milk is the main milk here as opposed to cow's milk and it has strong anti-inflammatory properties okay so even if you're not a fan of goat milk I think we can all agree on daily wine and laughter number two acaria Greece and next Blue zone is a carrier grease a tiny island in the Aegean Sea unique to a courier is that the region has almost no cases of dementia and very few chronic diseases the culture and lifestyle in a carrier contributes to healthy living here people aren't trying to live healthy lives they just aren't Healthy Living is a way of life here due to the warm temperatures many people exercise regularly but they aren't driving to a gym a carrion's garden regularly visit their neighbors and take long walks similarly to Sardinia meat is consumed less frequently with the main diet being whole grains fish legumes and vegetables goat's milk is consumed rather than cow's milk occurians typically cook with olive oil which contains healthy fats that lower cholesterol herbal teas are also popular our favorite part of akarian life naps this community is known to take afternoon naps which lowers stress and reduces heart disease by 35 percent okay napping is something we can all get on board with number 3. Okinawa Japan Okinawa Japan is our next Blue Zone Okinawa is a region of islands off the coast of Japan and is known for its subtropical climate Lush foliage and clear skies women in this region live longer than anywhere else in the world their Fountain of Youth may be their extremely strong family and Community ties known as moai and their strong sense of purpose in life life called Ika guy okinawans maintain clear roles and responsibilities for their entire lives resulting in their elderly feeling needed and valued they eat plant-based diets again with the reduced meat high in vegetables and sweet potatoes soy is a staple found in tofu and miso soup the properties found in tofu are known to protect against heart disease and breast cancer they also eat fermented soy based foods which promotes a healthy gut microbiome their main source of exercising is gardening which almost all centenarians do or used to do the Motions involved in gardening involve gentle muscle use and flexibility and also provides plenty of fresh vegetables for meal times number four nokoya Costa Rica the fourth Blue zone is nicoya Costa Rica nicoya is a peninsula in Costa Rica just south of Nicaragua nikoians are famous for their plan Devita which means reason to live similar to the okinawans this community celebrates their elders and they have clear roles and responsibilities up into their old age a unique staple to the nikoian diet is hard water which has a very high calcium content this contributes to less heart disease and bone fractures among the elderly you won't find many nursing homes in this region here the elderly live with their children or grandchildren where they belong they eat light meals with the lightest being dinner squash beans and corn are the most popular food Staples with meat making up only five percent of their diets on average work and chores are celebrated in this culture from housework to gardening and farming they spend a lot of time Outdoors where they get vitamin D from the Sun it seems like in this culture it's the simple things in life that matter number 5. Linda California finally we're heading to Loma Linda California the fifth original Blue Zone this area of California contains a pocket of around 9 000 Seventh-Day Adventists who live at least 10 years longer than the average American the traditions of the Adventist religion have contributed to the health of this community one day a week on the Sabbath they take a break from all work and enjoy time with family and in prayer this is a stress reducing break and very valued in the community again we find another Community with relatively low meat consumption this community has a lower BMI than most Americans and they eat smaller meals they tend to snack on nuts throughout the day which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids breakfast is their largest meal then lunch followed by the smallest meal of the day dinner for most Americans the exact opposite is true in this community they enjoy spending time with like-minded friends namely other Seventh-Day Adventists the church encourages volunteerism which allows them to give back and keep a sense of purpose even into their older years all right so you've probably noticed some Trends in each of these cultures next up we'll uncover the secrets that they all have in common the Power Nine though these communities are nowhere near each other geographically all of them share certain Lifestyles that contribute to their residence long and healthy lives called the power 9 here are the traits that all blue zones have in common number one move naturally in these cultures light and gentle exercises built into their lifestyle walking to visit neighbors tending to Gardens and housework without all the conveniences of modern appliances allows these societies to maintain gentle movement throughout the day they aren't running marathons they aren't heavy lifters and they certainly aren't driving to the gym every day number two purpose in Japan it's called guy and in Costa Rica it's called plan de vita having a sense of purpose has been proven to increase life expectancy by up to seven years that purpose may be volunteerism like with The Seventh-Day Adventists or helping to care for grandchildren or the community but either way the oldest members of these communities still wake up every day with a clear sense of purpose number three downshift Blue Zone folks are experts in stress relief stress is associated with countless chronic diseases every culture in the Blue Zone has their own method of built-in stress relief whether it's happy hours for the sardinians prayer for the Adventists or naps for the akarians number four eighty percent rule stop eating when you are 80 full a Hallmark trait in blue zones is that they don't stuff their faces farewell Wendy's Triple Burger McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with cheese meal and big gulps number five plant slant plant-based diets are key meat is saved for special occasions and beans are one of the primary sources of protein number six wine at five this is by far the best of the power nine each of the Blue Zone cultures tend to enjoy regular but moderate wine consumption With Friends number seven belong the vast majority of centenarians in the blue zones are active in a faith-based community the Pacific religion doesn't matter number eight loved ones first divorce is rare as are nursing homes these cultures value family Above All Else and it's common to see the oldest members of the family living with children and actively involved in raising grandchildren number nine right tribe okinawans famously refer to this as moa's typically a group of five friends who commit to each other for life these social networks keep people connected allowing for a sense of purpose laughter and community so we know the original five Blue Zone communities and the Power Nine the goal moving forward is to increase the number of blue zones throughout the world current Blue Zone project communities include beach cities California Albert Lee Minnesota Spencer Iowa and Fort Worth Texas these communities are all aggressively pursuing changes that will lead to healthier living such as expanded Park systems improved Street designs that allow for walking and cycling and more social involvement new communities are regularly applying for Grants to help them become blue zones while you're waiting for your town to go Blue there are definite simple steps you can take to increase your life expectancy so go buy some red wine walk over to a friends or get to work on that sad looking Garden in your yard if you had to pick one of the Power Nine which would you pick tell us in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe to our Channel if you enjoyed this video please check out these other videos from our Channel all right guys did you know that there are communities around the world where the average life expectancy is way higher than average these communities known as blue zones have the highest concentration of people living to over a hundred years old and it's not just because of genetics today we're going to dive into the blue zones and uncover their secrets for longevity hint we can all apply these principles to our own lives so make sure to subscribe to our Channel and let's go what are blue zones in the early 2000s a team of researchers studied longevity in a region of Sardinia Italy this is where Dan buettner one of the researchers first coined the term blue Zone to identify areas where people live statistically longer lives after Sardinia he identified four other blue zones throughout the world Dan is a jack of all trades a researcher Explorer and New York Times best-selling author oh and he also holds three Guinness World Records for endurance cycling Dan is a hot commodity with everyone from Oprah to Dr Oz wanting Prime Time interviews with him he delivered a TED Talk titled how to live to be a hundred plus which gained millions of views one thing is clear this Adventurer has certainly LED an interesting life and would probably be an excellent dinner party guest after licensing the term blue Zone to identify Sardinia he created the Blue Zone certification which identifies the criteria and common traits of these regions the goal is to figure out what makes the Blue Zone so unique why people who live in them live longer happier lives and then take those unique characteristics and expand them to the general population by creating new blue zones so why is all of this such a big deal well the main reason is because the average life expectancy in the United States is currently 77 years old worldwide the average life expectancy is 72 years old but in the blue zones people are consistently living to over a hundred years old a centenarian is someone who is over a hundred years old and the blue zones are chock full of them furthermore a super centenarian is someone who is over 110 years old and the blue zones have more of these than anywhere else so what gives how is this possible well let's visit these regions and find out where are the five blue zones number one Sardinia the first Blue Zone as mentioned is the Mediterranean island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy here you'll find 10 times more centenarians per thousand people than in the United States okay what's their C secret well sardinians live simple traditional lives marked with good fresh food strong family ties and a sense of community many people here still hunt and gather whether it's fishing or growing their own food people eat significantly Less meat than other countries around the world meat is usually consumed only on special occasions and Sundays the rest of the time the main diet is made up of whole grains fruits vegetables and pecorino cheese which is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids grandparents are celebrated in this culture and are often living with their children or grandchildren walking is the main form of exercise which offers great cardiovascular benefits without any harsh impacts on bones or joints our favorite part of this culture is that they drink red wine every day in moderation also interesting is that the men in this culture are known for their sense of humor and they often meet in the street for laughter and poking fun um let's move here this place sounds fantastic finally goat milk is the main milk here as opposed to cow's milk and it has strong anti-inflammatory properties okay so even if you're not a fan of goat milk I think we can all agree on daily wine and laughter number two acaria Greece and next Blue zone is a carrier grease a tiny island in the Aegean Sea unique to a courier is that the region has almost no cases of dementia and very few chronic diseases the culture and lifestyle in a carrier contributes to healthy living here people aren't trying to live healthy lives they just aren't Healthy Living is a way of life here due to the warm temperatures many people exercise regularly but they aren't driving to a gym a carrion's garden regularly visit their neighbors and take long walks similarly to Sardinia meat is consumed less frequently with the main diet being whole grains fish legumes and vegetables goat's milk is consumed rather than cow's milk occurians typically cook with olive oil which contains healthy fats that lower cholesterol herbal teas are also popular our favorite part of akarian life naps this community is known to take afternoon naps which lowers stress and reduces heart disease by 35 percent okay napping is something we can all get on board with number 3. Okinawa Japan Okinawa Japan is our next Blue Zone Okinawa is a region of islands off the coast of Japan and is known for its subtropical climate Lush foliage and clear skies women in this region live longer than anywhere else in the world their Fountain of Youth may be their extremely strong family and Community ties known as moai and their strong sense of purpose in life life called Ika guy okinawans maintain clear roles and responsibilities for their entire lives resulting in their elderly feeling needed and valued they eat plant-based diets again with the reduced meat high in vegetables and sweet potatoes soy is a staple found in tofu and miso soup the properties found in tofu are known to protect against heart disease and breast cancer they also eat fermented soy based foods which promotes a healthy gut microbiome their main source of exercising is gardening which almost all centenarians do or used to do the Motions involved in gardening involve gentle muscle use and flexibility and also provides plenty of fresh vegetables for meal times number four nokoya Costa Rica the fourth Blue zone is nicoya Costa Rica nicoya is a peninsula in Costa Rica just south of Nicaragua nikoians are famous for their plan Devita which means reason to live similar to the okinawans this community celebrates their elders and they have clear roles and responsibilities up into their old age a unique staple to the nikoian diet is hard water which has a very high calcium content this contributes to less heart disease and bone fractures among the elderly you won't find many nursing homes in this region here the elderly live with their children or grandchildren where they belong they eat light meals with the lightest being dinner squash beans and corn are the most popular food Staples with meat making up only five percent of their diets on average work and chores are celebrated in this culture from housework to gardening and farming they spend a lot of time Outdoors where they get vitamin D from the Sun it seems like in this culture it's the simple things in life that matter number 5. Linda California finally we're heading to Loma Linda California the fifth original Blue Zone this area of California contains a pocket of around 9 000 Seventh-Day Adventists who live at least 10 years longer than the average American the traditions of the Adventist religion have contributed to the health of this community one day a week on the Sabbath they take a break from all work and enjoy time with family and in prayer this is a stress reducing break and very valued in the community again we find another Community with relatively low meat consumption this community has a lower BMI than most Americans and they eat smaller meals they tend to snack on nuts throughout the day which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids breakfast is their largest meal then lunch followed by the smallest meal of the day dinner for most Americans the exact opposite is true in this community they enjoy spending time with like-minded friends namely other Seventh-Day Adventists the church encourages volunteerism which allows them to give back and keep a sense of purpose even into their older years all right so you've probably noticed some Trends in each of these cultures next up we'll uncover the secrets that they all have in common the Power Nine though these communities are nowhere near each other geographically all of them share certain Lifestyles that contribute to their residence long and healthy lives called the power 9 here are the traits that all blue zones have in common number one move naturally in these cultures light and gentle exercises built into their lifestyle walking to visit neighbors tending to Gardens and housework without all the conveniences of modern appliances allows these societies to maintain gentle movement throughout the day they aren't running marathons they aren't heavy lifters and they certainly aren't driving to the gym every day number two purpose in Japan it's called guy and in Costa Rica it's called plan de vita having a sense of purpose has been proven to increase life expectancy by up to seven years that purpose may be volunteerism like with The Seventh-Day Adventists or helping to care for grandchildren or the community but either way the oldest members of these communities still wake up every day with a clear sense of purpose number three downshift Blue Zone folks are experts in stress relief stress is associated with countless chronic diseases every culture in the Blue Zone has their own method of built-in stress relief whether it's happy hours for the sardinians prayer for the Adventists or naps for the akarians number four eighty percent rule stop eating when you are 80 full a Hallmark trait in blue zones is that they don't stuff their faces farewell Wendy's Triple Burger McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder with cheese meal and big gulps number five plant slant plant-based diets are key meat is saved for special occasions and beans are one of the primary sources of protein number six wine at five this is by far the best of the power nine each of the Blue Zone cultures tend to enjoy regular but moderate wine consumption With Friends number seven belong the vast majority of centenarians in the blue zones are active in a faith-based community the Pacific religion doesn't matter number eight loved ones first divorce is rare as are nursing homes these cultures value family Above All Else and it's common to see the oldest members of the family living with children and actively involved in raising grandchildren number nine right tribe okinawans famously refer to this as moa's typically a group of five friends who commit to each other for life these social networks keep people connected allowing for a sense of purpose laughter and community so we know the original five Blue Zone communities and the Power Nine the goal moving forward is to increase the number of blue zones throughout the world current Blue Zone project communities include beach cities California Albert Lee Minnesota Spencer Iowa and Fort Worth Texas these communities are all aggressively pursuing changes that will lead to healthier living such as expanded Park systems improved Street designs that allow for walking and cycling and more social involvement new communities are regularly applying for Grants to help them become blue zones while you're waiting for your town to go Blue there are definite simple steps you can take to increase your life expectancy so go buy some red wine walk over to a friends or get to work on that sad looking Garden in your yard if you had to pick one of the Power Nine which would you pick tell us in the comments below and don't forget to subscribe to our Channel if you enjoyed this video please check out these other videos from our Channel
As scientists endeavor to create formulas for delaying aging, certain extraordinary regions appear to have already unraveled this mystery for a superior, longer life.
In this blog, we have rounded up the top five territories, famously known as the Blue Zones. Here, it’s not unusual for people to celebrate their 100th birthday, while maintaining a harmonious and satisfying life.
If your time on our site is as WANDERFUL as we hope, we’d be super thrilled to have you share this post with your fellow wanderers!
1. Sardinia
It all began in the early 2000s, when a daring team of researchers ventured into the mystical region of Sardinia, Italy, seeking the secrets of longevity. Among these brilliant minds was the remarkable Dan Buettner, a true Renaissance man—an audacious explorer, a masterful researcher, and a New York Times best-selling author. This intrepid visionary, who even holds three Guinness World Records for endurance cycling, possesses an irresistible charm that has caught the attention of luminaries like Oprah and Dr. Oz, all vying for a chance to interview him on primetime television.
However, the spotlight of this narrative belongs to Sardinia. It was on this Mediterranean island that Buettner first identified and defined a “Blue Zone,” thus igniting a paradigm shift in our understanding of longevity. His influential TED Talk, “How to Live to be a Hundred Plus,” further amplified the concept, captivating millions worldwide.
Blue Zones are not just ordinary places—they are sanctuaries of life, where people defy the limits of time, living well beyond the age that most can fathom. In a world where the average life expectancy hovers around 72 years, and even the United States sees an average of 77 years, the Blue Zones emerge as beacons of hope, where centenarians abound. These extraordinary havens even boast supercentenarians, individuals surpassing the remarkable milestone of 110 years old, more than anywhere else in the world.
In Sardinia, meat is a rare delicacy, reserved for special occasions and Sundays, while the rest of their plates overflowing with nature’s bounty—whole grains, luscious fruits, vibrant vegetables, and the divine pecorino cheese, imbued with omega-3 fatty acids. And let’s not forget the revered grandparents, treasured pillars of wisdom, often living side by side with their children and grandchildren.
In this haven of vitality, even the act of strolling becomes an enchanting ritual. Walking, the heart’s rhythmic companion, graces their days, nurturing their cardiovascular health without burdening their bones or joints. And here’s a delightful surprise: red wine, a divine elixir, finds its place in their lives, sipped in moderation, a toast to joy and wellbeing. The men of this wondrous culture possess an irresistible sense of humor, coming together in the lively streets, where laughter dances in the air.
2. Ikaria
Nestled in the cerulean embrace of the Aegean Sea, Ikaria, Greece is a place where time seems to stand still, and the whispers of chronic diseases and dementia are nonexistent. Here, a remarkable culture and lifestyle intertwine to create a haven of vibrant health.
Ikaria distinguishes itself not just through an emphasis on healthful living, but rather through an intricate life tapestry where well-being is organically integrated into the daily rhythms of life. Rather than relying on the sterile environment of a gym, Ikarians find sanctuary in nature’s lap. Routine activities encourage movement and connection, as inhabitants wander through the picturesque landscape, visit neighbors, and bask in the omnipresent natural beauty.
Echoing the guiding principles of Blue Zones, Ikarian culinary habits eschew an excessive dependence on meat. Instead, their meals celebrate a plethora of nutritional richness—whole grains, an abundance of fish, protein-rich legumes, and an array of vegetables come together in a feast of diverse flavors and health benefits. Amidst this cornucopia, goat’s milk emerges as a celebrated staple, prized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.
In Ikaria, a cherished tradition underscores the importance of restful living—the afternoon nap. These habitual siestas are not viewed as mere luxuries, but as a vital aspect of Ikarian lifestyle, contributing significantly to the island’s remarkable health statistics. Regular afternoon sleep has been linked to a reduction in stress and a substantial 35 percent decrease in heart disease risk. The gentle surrender to rest and rejuvenation, far from being perceived as a lazy indulgence, is seen as a critical component of a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle.
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3. Okinawa
Enclosed by an array of islands replete with verdant greenery, Okinawa unfolds as a subtropical Eden. However, the island’s beauty only skims the surface of its true treasure—Okinawa holds the secret to longevity, with its women notably leading the way in this pursuit of enduring vitality.
What makes Okinawa truly special? It’s their deeply ingrained sense of community and family ties, known as moai, that intertwine the lives of its inhabitants. In this haven, where purpose reverberates through every soul, the elderly are not mere bystanders—they are cherished, valued, and integral to the tapestry of life. It is this profound sense of belonging that infuses their days with meaning and purpose, nurturing their spirits and fueling their vibrant existence. But let’s not forget about their nourishment.
In Okinawa, the symphony of flavors dances on a predominantly plant-based stage. Once again, meat takes a backseat, while vegetables and sweet potatoes claim their rightful place on the plate. And nestled within this culinary tapestry is the mighty soybean—offering its protective embrace against heart disease and breast cancer. Tofu, a staple in Okinawan cuisine, delivers these remarkable benefits, while miso soup adds a touch of magic to their meals. The Okinawans also have unlocked the secrets of fermentation, indulging in a variety of soy-based delicacies that nurture their gut microbiome, promoting vitality from within.
In this idyllic realm, exercise takes on a gentle, rhythmic form—the art of gardening. Almost every centenarian in Okinawa can be found tending to their blossoming havens. As they nurture the earth, they nurture their bodies, engaging in gentle yet purposeful movements that nourish both muscles and flexibility. Give to the earth and she will give back.
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4. Nicoya
Nicoya, Costa Rica is located on a peninsula just south of Nicaragua. Nicoyans are renowned for their philosophy called “plan de vida,” which translates to “reason to live.” Similar to the Okinawans, this community holds their elders in high regard and assigns them clear roles and responsibilities even into old age.
One distinguishing factor of the Nicoyan diet is the consumption of hard water, which has a high calcium content. This contributes to lower rates of heart disease and bone fractures among the elderly. In Nicoya, the concept of nursing homes is virtually nonexistent. Elderly residents naturally integrate into multigenerational households, fostering a profound sense of belonging and respect within familial bonds. This familial integration not only maintains strong social networks for the elderly but also upholds the cultural value of intergenerational wisdom and guidance.
The Nicoyan diet consists of light meals, with dinner being the lightest. Squash, beans, and corn are popular staples, with meat comprising only about five percent of their average diet.
Within Nicoyan culture, labor isn’t seen as a burden but rather celebrated. Be it household chores, gardening, or farming, these tasks are embraced with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. The activities, often performed outdoors, also ensure that residents receive ample vitamin D from sunlight, further contributing to their health. It’s within these seemingly simple aspects of life that Nicoyans find profound significance.
11 Reasons to Love Costa Rica!
5.Loma Linda, California
Our journey of exploration leads us next to Loma Linda, California—the fifth original Blue Zone. This intriguing locale is home to nearly 9,000 Seventh-Day Adventists, a religious community noted for its longevity, outliving their fellow Americans by an average of a decade. The tenets and principles intrinsic to the Adventist faith significantly contribute to the remarkable health and well-being of this community.
A distinctive practice in Loma Linda is the sacred observance of the Sabbath. The day serves as an intentional retreat from professional obligations and chores, carving out precious time for family engagement, personal reflection, and prayer. This day of pause acts as a potent stress-alleviating ritual, deeply treasured and practiced throughout the community.
In line with the other Blue Zones, Loma Linda exhibits a lower consumption of meat compared to the average American diet. The community follows smaller portion sizes and tends to snack on nuts throughout the day, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Interestingly, their largest meal is breakfast, followed by lunch, and finally, the smallest meal of the day, dinner—an inversion of the typical American eating pattern.
The social connections within the Loma Linda community are a vital aspect of their well-being. They enjoy spending time with like-minded friends, particularly other Seventh-Day Adventists. The church encourages volunteerism, providing opportunities to give back to the community and maintain a sense of purpose, even in their later years.
What takeaways can you adopt from the Blue Zones to ensure your own longevity?
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