Recently, I was excited to read about the work of Dan Buettner, an author who has researched the world’s “hot spots” of longevity and written a book summarizing his findings (The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest”). Each of the areas he examined have much higher rates of people reaching 100 years. It is a fascinating look at what helps us age gracefully and healthily, and what I found most interesting were the crucial roles played by community and spirituality, as well as more typical healthy behaviours. Here is a brief summary of what he discovered:
1. A primarily plant-based diet with few to no processed foods is common to all regions examined. In Okinawa, a Japanese island, people eat an average of 7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, seven servings of grains and two of soy products, with weekly fish and sporadic meat and dairy consumption. Loma Linda, CA, the only US city included, is primarily made up of Seventh Day Adventists, who advocate vegetarianism. In addition, many zones’ inhabitants eat their larger meals earlier in the day, with only small meals at night.
2. Regular, low-intensity exercise. Rather than going to the gym for an intense workout interspersed with long periods of sitting, people get out for regular walks, gardening etc. They make exercise a low-key part of every day.
3. Sense of purpose. Having a reason to get up in the morning, be that a fulfilling job, passion for a hobby, or caring for grandchildren is key for long life. This is in contrast with North America’s habits of overwork for much of a career, followed by a purposeless retirement.
4. Community support. Each area has a strong sense of community, including all members in activities and supporting each other through good times and bad. Contrast this with our age-segregated approach to life and emphasis on the “nuclear” family unit.
5. Red wine in small doses. Research has found repeatedly that one to two glasses (5 oz, not half a bottle) of red wine has been associated with better health and longer life. Purple grape juice seems to have some of the same benefits for those who don’t drink.
6. Having spiritual beliefs emphasizing love and universal compassion. These hot spots are also areas of strong spirituality, finding meaning in life and a higher purpose to existence.
7. Being optimistic. People who live longer tend to have more positive anticipation of the future and more hope for positive changes.