Do I really want to live to be 100? The short answer is sure, why not? But there is a caveat. A healthy 100 sounds great. A sickly 100, in a tired aching body, not so much.
When the New Year rolled around, the usual goals and resolutions popped up: to eat healthier, lose weight, get in shape, etc. Same resolutions, new year. But with one of our team turning 70 and also, having spent the holidays with aging relatives, longevity and getting older was creeping into our consciousness.
That’s when Kathy brought “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone,” to our attention. The docuseries was streaming on Netflix. Next thing you know, we were sitting on the couch eating our Christmas box of See’s candy and watching all four episodes. Thus began our journey into the world of Blue Zones and centenarians.
All about the Blue Zone
Blue Zones are regions around the world where people are known to live longer, healthier lives compared to the global average. These areas have attracted attention from researchers and health enthusiasts seeking to understand the factors contributing to the longevity and well-being of the inhabitants. The term “Blue Zones” has been popularized by National Geographic Fellow and author Dan Buettner, who identified and studied these regions.
The Netflix documentary takes a look at five Blue Zones:
- Okinawa, Japan: The residents of Okinawa are known for their longevity and low rates of age-related diseases. Their diet is rich in vegetables, tofu, and sweet potatoes. Additionally, they have strong social support networks and a sense of purpose.
- Sardinia, Italy: The mountainous region of Sardinia has a high concentration of centenarians. The traditional Sardinian diet includes whole grains, legumes, and local vegetables. Social connections and a sense of community are also emphasized.
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: The Nicoya Peninsula has a high concentration of centenarians, and the inhabitants follow a plant-based diet with staples such as beans, corn, and tropical fruits. Physical activity is integrated into daily life, and a strong sense of community contributes to well-being.
- Ikaria, Greece: The island of Ikaria is known for its high number of healthy elderly individuals. The Ikarian diet includes olive oil, vegetables, and herbs. The residents have an active lifestyle, and the social structure emphasizes community and strong interpersonal relationships.
- Loma Linda, California, USA: Loma Linda is unique among Blue Zones as it is not a specific region but a community of Seventh-day Adventists. The Adventist lifestyle, which includes a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and a day of rest, has been associated with longevity.
Common Traits
The longevity observed in Blue Zones is often attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Diet: Blue Zone inhabitants typically follow plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. They often consume moderate amounts of fish and lean meats.
- Physical Activity: Regular, low-intensity physical activity is a common feature in Blue Zones. Activities are often integrated into daily life, such as walking, gardening, or manual labor.
- Social Connections: Strong social networks and a sense of community contribute to the well-being of Blue Zone residents. Social support and close relationships are considered crucial for longevity.
- Purposeful Living: Many Blue Zone inhabitants have a strong sense of purpose and maintain an active, engaged lifestyle throughout their lives.
It’s important to note that while these factors are associated with longevity in Blue Zones, they are not guarantees of a longer life. The concept of Blue Zones serves as an inspiration for individuals and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and foster supportive environments for well-being.
Starting the 4-week Challenge
And we were inspired! Kathy suggested we take on the 4-week challenge. We all love a good challenge! Kathy bought us the book, “The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-week Plan for a Longer, Better Life.” We were off and running!
The first week is all about setting the stage. Creating the environment. I dutifully cleared my kitchen of the foods to avoid. For me, this was mostly sugary and salty processed snacks left over from the holidays. I’m also basically on board with the other suggestions, reducing the intake of meat and fish, cutting dairy back, and “slashing” sugar. I’m less enthusiastic about eliminating eggs. I feel for me, they are a good source of protein and vitamins. I think an egg or two a week is not a bad addition to my diet.
Back in the day, there was discussion of eggs being a source of high cholesterol but recent research seems to suggest there is a difference between dietary cholesterol and the bad stuff. Not being a doctor, I will never give advice on anyone’s diet needs but for me, I’ve decided to keep eggs. I am already eating beans, legumes, and whole grains. I may reassess at a later date but for now, I’m sticking to my eggs.
Baseline Tests
You also are asked during week one to take some baseline tests: Vitality, Happiness, and Purpose. My Vitality test gave me a healthy life expectancy of almost 79 and overall life expectancy of 83. Not so bad. Only four years of unhealthy life. BUT I could add 14 more years “with a few simple changes”!! I’m all in if the 14 years I’m adding are healthy. The test isn’t explicit on that point.
On the happiness scale, I scored an A+. This is because I am already doing most of the Blue Zone recommended social connection and purpose activities. I volunteer three or more times per week. I have Mahjong groups twice a week. I’m always taking classes on new things and, of course, there are the doggies. The pups get me out to the dog park, usually twice a day. The dogs have their dog park friends and so do I!!
Nevertheless, there is always room for improvement. I scored lowest on the spirituality section so for the next 4 weeks I plan to work on that area. I think I could also strengthen my friend group to form deeper connections.
All in all, my first week’s effort was good. I still need to write my purpose statement. I’ll take a look at that tonight. After that, I’ll be ready to head into week two of the challenge.
