Have you ever heard of the term "Blue Zones"? They are 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 travelled 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 remain healthy for a long time. In doing so he came across five areas that are now known as Blue Zones are known:
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 Survival Artists
Ikaria is a mountainous island in the eastern Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast, has about 8,000 inhabitants and is the world'sone of the lowest mortality rates in middle ageBuettner attributed this to, among other things, Mediterranean diet with lots of vegetables, olive oil and fish. This diet is also given high priority 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 the island.
The people are open, warm-hearted and always happy to talk. They are cheerful and live at their own pace. Since the Middle Ages, the island's inhabitants have been true survival artists. Back then, they hid in the mountains, camouflaged themselves behind huge rocks and thus avoided piracy. The islanders have retained this art of calm and serenity to this day. They like to do things their own 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 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 IkigaiThis 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 physical activity or Movement require, part of everyday life. In his article, Buettner reports, for example, on people over 80 who prepare for the annual decathlon every day. They cover long distances on foot or by bike and maintain honest relationships with relatives and neighbors, as well as taking 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.
MoleQlar ONE combines the potential of 13 different longevity ingredients to fully promote health and longevity at the molecular level. The complex has positive effects on all twelve hallmarks of aging.
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 in old ageThe inhabitants attribute the longevity mainly to a healthy eating The diet consists primarily of plant-based foods such as potatoes, beans, grains, vegetables and foods rich in omega-3, as well as fats from dairy products. In addition, 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. In addition, They are characterized by close relationships with family and friends and stay in the family for life.
They also have special respect for the oldest in society. In their culture, prestige increases with age. Laughing together and the odd glass of red wine are as much a part of everyday life as exercise and hard physical work. It is the least populated and at the same time longest-living region in the country, with the largest number of people over 100 years old. In all of Italy. Men in particular seem to have found a fountain of youth here.
Loma Linda in California – Faith and a predominantly plant-based diet
The small town of Loma Linda in southern California is home to a particularly high number of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church - a non-denominational 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 develop cardiovascular disease or cancer because Adventists eat a natural, plant-based diet. But many Loma Linda Adventists also believe that their faith plays a significant role in their health and longevity.The connection between faith and longevity 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. Many residents reach the age of 90 and a 60-year-old person has a significantly higher probability of living to 100 than in the rest of the country. Scientists have now identified the diet of the inhabitants of Nicoya as an important factor. eating in moderation and consume little or no processed foodsInstead, there are plenty 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 is and thus 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 is primarily through physical exercise.
Common characteristics of the Blue Zones
Five regions that have great cultural and climatic differences. But what do they have in common? Dan Buettner naturally asked himself this question. First of all, his team noticed that the people in the Blue Zone living in some sense of isolation – on islands, peninsulas, mountainous areas or small towns. Nevertheless, they have a modern medical care. The Blue Zones are also located in subtropical to tropical regions, and the residents are on average a lot of sunlight Vitamin D deficiency is rare. This is advantageous, especially since researchers believe that too little vitamin D the service life is shortened.
In addition, the inhabitants consistently maintain a lifestyle that is 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 plenty of time in the fresh airThey eat whatever grows or is caught nearby. Processed foods are rarely or never on the menu.
