Have you ever heard of the term "Blue Zones"? They represent a demographic term that describes five places in the world where people live significantly longer with above-average health and well-being. Dan Buettner has dedicated himself to finding these areas. In 2005, he published an article in National Geographic titled "The Secrets of Long Life".
For years, he traveled around the world with some scientists to find areas where people live longer than elsewhere in the world while also remaining healthy for a long time.He came across five areas that are now known as Blue Zones :
Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Ogliastra in Sardinia, Loma Linda in California and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. .
What promotes the health and longevity of these people?
Ikaria in Greece – The Survivors
Ikaria is a mountainous island in the eastern Aegean near the Turkish coast, with about 8.000 inhabitants and has one of the lowest mortality rates in middle age worldwide. Buettner attributed this, among other things, to a Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fish. This way of eating is also highly valued in prevention circles. On the other hand, some residents believe that, in addition to plenty of organic vegetables and clean water, the constant wind from the sea is particularly healthy. Others emphasize the special warmth and the sense of community of the island. The people are open, warm-hearted, and always enjoy chatting. They are cheerful and live at their own pace. Since the Middle Ages, the island's residents have been true survival artists.Back then, they hid in the mountains, disguised themselves behind huge rocks, and thus escaped piracy. The islanders have preserved this art of calmness and serenity to this day. They like to do things their way.
A map overview of the five blue zones. Image: shutterstock.com/Dimitrios Karamitros
Okinawa in Japan – the oldest women in the country
Okinawa is an island in the south of Japan. In the subtropical region, sweet potatoes, soybeans and various vegetables are grown. According to National Geographic, Okinawa has become a blue zone primarily because some of the oldest women in the world live here.The magazine Spektrum attributed this not only to a plant-based and moderate diet but also to the principle of Ikigai. This word means something like "meaning of life" and is deeply rooted in Japanese everyday life and other aspects of life, especially in Okinawa. For them, activities that require physical activity or movement are part of daily life. Buettner reports in his article, for example, about people over 80 who prepare daily for the annual decathlon. They cover longer distances on foot or by bicycle and maintain an honest relationship with relatives and neighbors, as well as a daily nap.
The Okinawans are also known for their outstanding optimism and do not make life unnecessarily difficult for themselves, which is why they are among the happiest people in the world. Finding one's calling and place in life is considered the highest goal, whereas material success is of lesser importance.
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Ogliastra in Sardinia – the oldest men in the world
The province of Ogliastra in Sardinia is also part of the blue zone, as this region is home to the oldest men in the world.Many of them still work as shepherds at an old age. The residents attribute their longevity mainly to a healthy diet : The menu primarily consists of plant-based foods such as potatoes, beans, grains, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods, as well as fats derived from dairy products. Additionally, the inhabitants of the area live in cultural isolation, which allows them to maintain their traditional healthy lifestyle. They still hunt, fish, and harvest their fields to earn a living. Furthermore, they are characterized by close relationships with family and friends and remain within the family for a lifetime.
They also have special respect for the elders in society. In their culture, prestige increases with age. Shared laughter and the occasional glass of red wine are just as much a part of everyday life as exercise and hard physical work. It is the least populated and at the same time the longest-living region of the country with the largest number of people over 100 years old. In all of Italy. Especially men seem to have found a fountain of youth here.
Loma Linda in California – Faith and a predominantly plant-based diet
In the small town of Loma Linda in Southern California, there are particularly many members of the Seventh-day Adventists – a free church. This Christian religious community has long been the subject of intensive research.The Adventist Health Study has been investigating for 40 years whether there is a connection between Adventist diet and life expectancy. Buettner reports that they live four to ten years longer than the average Californian.
Scientists believe that residents are less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases or cancer because Adventists eat naturally and plant-based. However, many Adventists from Loma Linda also believe that their faith contributes significantly to their health and longevity. The connection between faith and a long life has been confirmed in numerous other studies.
The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica – healthy eating and social contacts
On the American continent, Büttner and his team have identified another Blue Zone, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Numerous residents reach their 90th year, and a 60-year-old person has a significantly higher probability of living to be 100 years old than in the rest of the country. Meanwhile, scientists have identified the diet of the residents of Nicoya as an important factor. They eat in moderation and consume little or no processed foods.Instead, there is a lot of vegetables and fruits on the menu, including many tropical fruits that are rich in antioxidants and amino acids.
The life in Nicoya is also characterized by special water, which is rich in calcium and magnesium and is said to protect against heart diseases and promote strong bones. In addition to dietary habits, Buettner attributed the longevity of the residents to their social life as well. They meet and support each other with their children and grandchildren. Even people over 100 are fully integrated into social life and are regularly visited by their neighbors.
The path to longevity, according to Peter Attia, primarily involves physical movement.
Common characteristics of the Blue Zones
Five regions that exhibit significant cultural and climatic differences. What do they have in common? This question has naturally also been posed by Dan Buettner. Initially, his team noticed that the people in the Blue Zone live in a certain way isolated – on islands, peninsulas, in mountainous areas, or small towns. Nevertheless, they have access to a modern medical care.The Blue Zones are also located in subtropical to tropical regions, and the residents are on average exposed to a lot of sunlight , so a vitamin D deficiency is rare. This is advantageous, as researchers believe that too little vitamin D shortens lifespan.
Furthermore, the inhabitants consistently maintain a lifestyle characterized by tradition and commitment to the community . They primarily live on their own farms and work as shepherds and fishermen. Translated, this means constant movement and plenty of time outdoors. They eat what grows or is caught in close proximity.Processed foods, on the other hand, rarely if ever appear on the menu.
