Blue Zone Cultures and Their Connection to Longevity

There are certain areas in the world where people seem to live longer than average—in many cases, significantly longer. Life expectancy can differ substantially due to regional differences in lifestyle habits. Researchers have pinpointed five areas in the world that are particularly notable for their high concentrations of men and women over one hundred years old. These areas are sometimes referred to as Blue Zones, a term first coined by National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner. After locating these areas of high longevity, Buettner and others began to explore potential reasons why people in these places tend to live so long. He compiled these findings in a book also called Blue Zones.

Five places in the world where longevity appears to be especially high are Loma Linda, California; Icaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Sardinia, Italy; and Okinawa, Japan. While there are undoubtedly other places in the world whose inhabitants live lives longer than average, these locations are most strongly correlated with reaching and breaching the centenarian mark. These locations are spread throughout the world, but that doesn't mean they don't share some critical similarities. In Buettner's book, he discusses some of these similarities that may have a beneficial effect on health and life expectancy.

High Levels of Moderate Activity

Communities in the Blue Zones tend to revolve around physical activity. People cook, garden, and spend leisure time outside rather than in front of a tv or computer. Communities revolve around walking and biking rather than driving cars. In Sardinia, for example, agriculture is still a big deal, and people walk to get where they are going. You don't have to be running marathons, either. Consistent, regular exercise keeps the heart, mind, and body in it for the long haul.

Living With Purpose

Not surprisingly, a big part of living a long life is having the will to live. Cultures that inculcate a strong sense of purpose keep people waking up in the morning. Without that drive, it's incredibly difficult to maintain a lifestyle that preserves well-being and overcomes nihilism. In Costa Rica, the drive is known as “el plan de vida,” and in Okinawa, it's termed “ikigai.” Community is a big part of purpose and keeps us healthy and watched over. Cultures with big families or other forms of community have the edge over folks who live insular lives because there are always people around you who care about you and ensure you are safe.

Cultural Stress Control

Stress is not only a mind-killer, but it also has ravaging effects on the body. A life filled with uncontrolled anxiety eats away at the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and hormone balance. One of the keys to making it to 100 is minimizing stress in one's life. Blue Zones tend to place emphasis on naturally stress-relieving activities such as prayer, napping, meditation, remembrance, and even community drinking (as is the norm in Sardinia).

Eating Healthy Without Overeating

Diet is super-important to health and longevity. There is a reason why gluttony is a sin. In places like Okinawa, people follow a dietary practice called “hara hachi bu,” where they purposefully eat until they are nearly full but avoid reaching full satiety. This smart-eating habit reduces caloric intake and trains the brain not to overeat, also preserving insulin resistance more effectively. Diets in the Blue Zone also tend to be very light on the meat, which has been widely proven to lengthen lives. Most Americans, for example, eat way more meat than our recent ancestors, even one hundred years ago. Perhaps surprisingly, many places in the Blue Zone, like Greece and Sardinia, are known for their good wine. Studies have shown that light consumption of wine can be beneficial to the heart, not to mention the other positive effects of a mild buzz.

Consider Adopting the Blue Zone Lifestyle

While there is some debate regarding the specifics of the Blue Zone concept, there is strong evidence that there are certain areas of the world where people simply live longer and healthier lives. Not everyone will make it to one hundred years old, but it doesn't hurt to take steps to facilitate your good health today, tomorrow, and for the rest of your life!

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