Blue Zones: How to Live to 100
How long do you want to live for? We do not ask this question of ourselves very often. After all, death is quite a taboo topic. As humans, we are naturally scared of and try to avoid death, but despite the modern world’s wonders, we still cannot escape it. The average lifespan today is about 70 years. However, humans are still obsessed with increasing their lifespan. So, what if I told you that in some special places in the world, people easily live up to a century old!
Only five such places exist: Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Ogliastra Region, Sardinia; Loma Linda, California; and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Researchers have dubbed these places as “blue zones.” Ever since they were discovered, the world has been trying to find their secrets. Many reasons have been suggested for the long lives of the residents, and people around the world have begun emulating their lifestyles in an attempt to live longer. But does copying them actually work, or is there a missing secret ingredient?
Let’s look at the cause behind the so envied lifespan of the people living in blue zones. First, blue zone citizens mostly consume vegetables, legumes (such as beans and peas), whole grains, and nuts in moderation. A diet consisting of these significantly contributes to the residents’ long lives, reducing the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses.
In addition, blue zone inhabitants lead active lives and exercise frequently. However, instead of adhering to conventional exercises with a strict regimen, their main sources of physical activity come from daily tasks such as gardening and housekeeping.
Interestingly, mental and emotional health could be major contributors to their extended lifespans. People who live in blue zones have close relationships with the people around them, and often have a clear sense of purpose in life. These factors, along with their lifestyle lead to them being less stressed compared to the rest of the global population.
There is no secret ingredient to a long life. But having good habits can go a long way, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. The “secret” of blue zones is just following the general advice for living a healthy life — eating a nutritious diet, getting exercise, and taking care of your mental and emotional state. The people in these blue zones just happen to follow that exact advice as part of their culture. So, instead of trying to find that secret ingredient or elixir of life, we should focus on living the best lives we possibly can.
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