Blue Zones, those parts of the world with more centenarians than anywhere else.

I first heard of Blue Zones about four years ago.

I was amazed to learn there were places in the world where reaching 100 years old was considered common, let alone being a healthy, active 100-year-old. This made me want to find out everything I could about what made these people different, and why these zones were considered some of the happiest and healthiest places on Earth.

What are Blue Zones?

Blue Zones are communities of people around the world who live longer than the average human. But what’s more, these people don’t just live longer, they’re also quite active and relatively healthy up until the end of their lives, and have lower cases of disease compared to places like America.

The five Blue Zones that have currently been recorded are:

• Sardinia, Italy
• Okinawa, Japan
• Loma Linda, California
• Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica
• Ikaria, a Greek Island

What’s interesting is these places aren’t actually close to one another, but spread far and wide across the globe, and the people there don’t necessarily share common backgrounds or ethnicities.

Researchers have continued to study what Blue Zone communities have in common and have pinpointed a few common traits among them that we can incorporate into our own lives for more happiness, better health and longevity.

Before we get started in learning about the key similarities between all the different Blue Zones, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

What Do All the Blue Zones Have in Common?

Blue Zone people seem to have a very balanced approach to life, and live in moderation which I think is a key attribute to their health and happiness. I also believe their strong sense of community and sense of belonging helps them feel connected and supported, assisting with stress and anxiety that we naturally feel when going through challenging times in our lives.

Some of the basic traits they have in common despite their cultural differences include the following.

Good Relationships

People in Blue Zones prioritised family first. They devote quality time with their children, keep aging relatives nearby or in the house, and also commit to a life partner, which can add up to 3 years of longevity.

Are a Part of a Faith-Based Community

Almost all of the people living in Blue Zones who reached 100 years of age reported being part of some faith-based community. Researchers found that attending just four faith-based services a month could lengthen life expectancy by 4 to 14 years.

Are Part of Communities Who Practice Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Those in Blue Zones chose to be in (or were born into) communities of people who supported healthy lifestyles. Researchers have found that lifestyle choices are contagious – whether good or unhealthy. The group of people we’re surrounded by can really shape our health behaviours.

Have Strong Purpose

People living in Blue Zones wake up each day with purpose. According to Dan Buettner, “knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to 7 years of extra life expectancy.”

Incorporate Natural Movement

Movement is so important for health, but what’s interesting is these people don’t go to the gym. Instead, they incorporate natural movement into their everyday lives. The environment in which they live promotes movement without them needing to consciously think about it. For example, they may garden or do housework without tools and machinery.

Follow the 80 percent Rule

In Okinawan culture, a mantra is said before meals which reminds them to finish eating when they feel 80 percent full. Those in Blue Zones also don’t eat large meals before bedtime, but rather eat their smallest meal in the late afternoon and then don’t eat anything else afterwards.

Develop Routines that Help Relieve Stress

Everyone experiences stress, even those living in Blue Zones. Chronic stress has a huge effect on the immune system and if experienced over long periods of time, can cause illness. However, those living in Blue Zones have learnt to develop routines and practices that help them relax and release stress. They have daily rituals such as prayer, taking a nap, and setting time aside to reflect and remember their ancestors.

What Can We Learn from Blue Zones?

By studying Blue Zones, we can apply some of the common qualities and traits carried out in these areas to improve our own lives. Some of the areas I’m working on adopting from Blue Zone research include:

• Reconnecting with my community at church, reading the bible, and strengthening my relationship with Jesus through prayer.
• Journaling, going out on more nature walks, exercising regularly, doing a technology detox, listening to music, and doing yoga daily to help reduce stress.
• Eating a wide variety of different foods (grown locally), eating pastured-raised eggs, grass fed and finished meat, and eating less to improve my health and nutrition.
• Building a strong community around me – since moving I haven’t had a big social group or many social events occur to see friends or family – by scheduling a regular weekly catch-up with friends and joining new social groups in my area with people who share similar interests (such as hiking groups, art and wine nights, church events, etc.)

I think one of the biggest changes we can make, particularly in this day and age, is to turn off our phones and be present with people we love.

For some practical ideas on how to incorporate some of the Blue Zone qualities into your own community, see the Blue Zones Project.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Have you heard of Blue Zones before? Have you incorporated any of their principles into your own life? Share in the comments below

Lots of love,

Vanessa