The Wisdom of the Blue Zones

There's been a lot of focus these days on longevity. I personally love using the word "healthspan" rather than "lifespan," because having the highest quality of life for as long as possible is a goal of mine and of many of my clients.  

There has also been more attention lately on Blue Zones, places in which people are living longer and healthier lives. The choices we make every day, week and year dramatically influence our healthspan, how long we live, and our well-being along the way.   

To help you check if you're focusing on lifestyle practices that make a difference for your healthspan, here are eight lifestyle commonalities between the five Blue Zone regions that contribute to longevity and slowed aging. 

1. Natural movement 

People living in Blue Zone regions engage in active everyday activities, such as gardening, walking, and climbing hills and mountains. They also refrain from using modern mechanical conveniences, such as washing machines and farming equipment, for daily tasks.  

Even if we are required to use "modern mechanical conveniences" for our jobs or daily tasks, emphasizing movement more than sitting can make a huge difference in our health and longevity. Two practices I emphasize myself are walking or wandering in nature, and using a standing desk to ensure I'm not sitting too long.  

2. Sense of purpose 

People in Blue Zones have a specific reason for waking up each day. The research shows that having a clear purpose in life may increase life expectancy by up to seven years.   

More and more in my practice, I am supporting people in exploring purpose and possibilities for their lives, and helping them step into the futures they imagine. This pertains to health goals, but also to what people want for themselves and their lives once their health no longer holds them back from going for it.  

3. Stress management 

The world’s longest-living people engage in activities that help manage stress, such as napping, praying, and attending happy hour with friends.  

My work with clients always includes practices to foster stress resilience and calm the nervous system so healing can occur. My favorite, of course, are mindful nature-connection practices.  

4. 80% rule 

People in Blue Zones stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. They also tend to eat smaller meals and avoid eating late in the day.   

5. Plant-centric diet

 The majority of Blue Zone residents' meals come from plant sources. Animal protein is consumed as a smaller percentage of one's daily intake compared to plant foods.  

I love Michael Pollan's quote - “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” Making each meal plant-strong (especially veggies) has so many benefits for our microbiome, blood sugar, metabolism, detoxification, hormone balance and more.  

6. Spirituality 

Most individuals in Blue Zones belong to a faith-based community. Blue Zone research shows that attending weekly faith-based services may add up to 14 years to life expectancy.  

Wow. 14 years. "Faith" doesn't necessarily have to mean religion, though it could. But coming together to commune with self, others and a higher power clearly has longevity benefits, in addition to the day-to-day gifts it provides. Bringing people together in nature feels like sacred community to me. And more and more, I am working with clients on spiritual practices, based on their belief systems, that support healing. It can have profound effects. 

7. Family first 

Family relationships are a top priority for individuals in Blue Zone regions. Aging parents and grandparents typically live with family members, parents invest time in their children, and individuals have committed life partners. 

8. Strong social networks 

Centenarians commonly choose to participate in social circles that support healthy lifestyles and behaviors.  

Here in the United States, during these times of divisiveness and separation, social networks are even more vital. Cultivating social networks regularly is such a key practice for daily well-being and long term health.    

How many of these Blue Zone principles have you incorporated into your daily life? If you'd like support in adopting more Blue Zone practices to maximize your healthspan, get in touch!