Have you ever heard of the term “Blue Zones”? They represent a demographic term that describes five places in the world where people live longer than average with above-average health and well-being. Dan Buettner is dedicated to finding these areas. In 2005, he published an article in National Geographic entitled “The Secrets of Long Life.”
For years he traveled around the world with a number of scientists to find areas where people live longer than anywhere else in the world and at the same time stay 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 Peninsula Nicoya in Costa Rica.
What promotes the health and longevity of these people?
Ikaria in Greece – The Survivalists
Ikaria is a mountainous island in the eastern Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast, has about 8.000 inhabitants and has one of the lowest middle-aged mortality rates in the world. Buettner attributed this, among other things, to a Mediterranean diet with lots of vegetables, olive oil and fish. This diet is also considered very important in prevention circles. On the other hand, some residents believe that, in addition to lots of organic vegetables and clean water, the constant wind from the sea is very healthy. Others emphasize the special warmth and 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 inhabitants have been true survivors. At that time they hid in the mountains, camouflaged themselves behind huge rocks and thereby avoided piracy. The islanders have preserved this art of peace 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 southern Japan. Sweet potatoes, soybeans and various vegetables are grown in the subtropical region. According to National Geographic, Okinawa has become a blue zone primarily because it is home to some of the world's oldest women. 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 life, especially on Okinawa. For them, activities that require physical activity or movement are part of everyday life. In his article, Buettner reports, for example, about people over 80 who prepare every day for the annual decathlon. They cover longer distances on foot or by bike and maintain honest relationships 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 your calling and your place in life are considered the highest goal, whereas material success is of less 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 because this region is home to the oldest men in the world. Many of them still work as shepherds in their old age. The residents mainly attribute their longevity to a healthy diet : The menu primarily includes plant-based foods such as potatoes, beans, grains, vegetables and omega 3-rich foods, as well as fats that come from dairy products. In addition, the residents of the area live in cultural isolation, which allows them to maintain their traditional healthy lifestyle. They still hunt, fish and harvest their fields for a living. In addition, they are characterized by close relationships with family and friends and remain in the family throughout their lives.
They also have special respect for the elders in the society. In their culture, prestige increases with age. Laughing together and a glass of red wine or two are just as much a part of everyday life as exercise and hard physical work. It is the least populous and at the same time the longest-lived region in the country with the largest number of people over 100 years old. All over Italy. Men in particular 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 10 years longer than the average Californian.
Scientists believe that because Adventists eat a natural, plant-based diet, residents are less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cancer. Many Loma Linda Adventists also believe that their faith contributes significantly to their health and longevity. The connection between faith and longevity has been confirmed in numerous other studies.
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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. Many residents are reaching their 90th birthday. age and a 60-year-old person has a significantly higher probability of living to 100 than in the rest of the country. Meanwhile, scientists have identified the diet of Nicoya residents as an important factor. They eat in moderation and consume little or no processed food. Instead, there are lots of vegetables and fruits on the menu, including many tropical fruits that are rich in antioxidants, and amino acids.
Life in Nicoya is also characterized by special water, which is rich in calcium and magnesium and is said to protect against heart disease and promote strong bones. In addition to eating habits, Buettner also attributed the residents' longevity to their social life. 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.
According to Peter Attia, the path to longevity leads primarily through physical exercise.
Common characteristics of the Blue Zones
Five regions that have major cultural and climatic differences. But what do they have in common? Naturally, Dan Buettner also asked himself this question. The first thing his team noticed was that the people in the Blue Zone live somewhat isolated – on islands, peninsulas, in mountainous areas or small towns. Nevertheless, they have modern medical care. The Blue Zones are also located in subtropical to tropical regions, and residents are on average a lot of sunlight exposed, so that a vitamin D deficiency rarely occurs. This is advantageous, especially since researchers believe that too little vitamin D shortens lifespan.
In addition, the residents consistently maintain a lifestyle characterized by tradition and commitment to the community . They live mainly on their own farms and work as shepherds and fishermen. Translated, this means constant exercise and lots of time in the fresh air. They eat what grows or is caught in the immediate vicinity. Processed foods, on the other hand, are rarely if ever on the menu.
