In the last pages of his book, Dan shares an intimate memory that beautifully capture’s the profound reality of “The Blue Zones”.
“As I bent down nearing her face I could see her veins through parchment paper thin skin. I embraced her, feeling the bird-like bones of her back and felt the universal warmth of life within her embrace. It felt like hugging a delicate child. The way you live, I told her, I’d be surprised if you don’t make the genius world records for the oldest person who ever lived.”
It’s these moments of human connection that set this book apart from the typical self-help and health literature clogging up our shelves.
Dan is first a foremost a journalist, so whilst highlighting important longevity research, this book ultimately takes on a narrative formate that invites you to travel the world and listen to the unique and varied life stories of centenarians.
It rejects the idea of “quantity over quality” of life, whilst also challenging the reverse. Instead suggesting that quality leads to quantity, and that ageing is a beautiful and privileged phenomenon when done intentionally and gracefully.
What & Where Are The Blue Zones?
Originally dubbed “blue” because of the blue pen used to circle specific area’s on a map, the blue Zones are places in the world where research has found there to be the highest concentration of centenarians.
Dan Beuttner and his team from National Geographic traveled to these five zones, endeavouring to interview and study the lives of the oldest (and healthiest) people living in these regions. Each Blue Zone has its own history that powerfully impacts the life quality and quantity of its residences.
The 5 Blue Zones:
Ikaria, Greece: Low rates of dementia and other chronic diseases, whilst enjoying red wine, late-night domino games and a relaxed pace of life.
Ogliastra region, Sardinia: Strong women, “family comes first” and health springing from the rugged hills.
Okinawa, Japan: Where the worlds longest-lived women indulge in sunshine, spirituality and sweet potatoes.
Loma Linda, California: Seventh-day adventist, Marge Jetton, loves community, nuts and exercise.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Tortillas and beans, hard work and something in the water.
The Science of Longevity and Ageing
Fact: You cannot reverse ageing, only accelerate it (therefore anything labeled “Anti-aging” is a scam). So the question we all want answered is “can ageing be slowed down?”
Question: What is ageing?
Answer:
Loss of coping mechanism and internal control and balance
Risk of dying
Change in body composition/systems
Gradual loss of physical capabilities
Loss of physical integrity
The turning on and off of different genetic factors
Toxin accumulation and breakdown of cellular mechanisms
Question: So with the above factors…what is the chance of living to 100+ years old?
Answer: Less than 1%. However disease prevention and improvement in quality of life can slow down ageing and increase your longevity.
The encouraging fact is that you are not pre-destined to live to a certain age; genetics only have 23% influence over your longevity, whilst the remaining 75% come down to your lifestyle choices. So make the most of them!
Nine Ways to Create a “Blue Zone” at Home
This is the section of the book everyone’s been waiting for. I bet you're wondering…
“How can I live a healthier, longer life?”
“What’s the magic formula?”
“How can I practically implement this book in my life?”
Well here it is! But first, there’s something very important you need to know!
Dan openly acknowledges in his book that the below factors are “associated with” longevity and are not “scientifically proven” methods to adding years to your life. This isn’t because Dan and his team haven’t searched for such evidence, but in fact because no such evidence exists!
That being said, there is much to learn and gain from implementing the following strategies. They will certainly increase the quality of your life if not the quantity of years on this earth.
The 9 Pillars of Longevity:
Natural Movement: Centenarians don’t “exercise”, they just live an active life (e.g. walking, climbing, gardening, playing with grandchildren). This reduces their incidence of injury and falls which can reduce life expectancy.
The 80% Rule (Hara Hachi Bu): Only eat to 80% satiety, eat slowly and mindfully, consume a variety of small meals and avoid snacking.
Plant-based Diet: Embrace the vegetarian diet (e.g. fruits, veggies, beans, seeds and whole grains) and reserve meat for special occasions (i.e. twice weekly).
Drink Moderately: Whether due to its stress reducing effects or anti-oxidants and polyphenol content, a glass of wine a day with friends/family seems to be associated with centenarianship.
Find Your Life’s Purpose (Ikigai): They know their “reason for being” and their “life’s worth”. They understand that there is a purpose to life that propels them out of bed each morning. Not sure what your life purpose is? Read Ikigai.
Reduce Stress: Prolonged stress causes inflammation in the body and chaos in the mind. We can’t eliminate stress from our lives, but we can learn to manage it in a health way.
Faith-based Community: Belonging to a strong spiritual community (irrelevant of denomination) that participates in healthy, decompressing traditions; provides an important social support system and place of belonging.
Family First: Centenarians prioritise family duty and life rituals above all else.
Social Circles (Moai): Finding a tribe/inner circle of friends that share values and support one another.
Life Giving Inspiration
Longevity isn’t about ageing, it’s about living.
Dan’s eye opening TED Talk (meet the man behind the book).
This traditional Japanese sweet has preserved her life.
Finding Your Moai
The last (but certainly not least) pillar of longevity mentioned in “The Blue Zones” is the cultural phenomenon of the Okinawan Moai. Now that we understand the importance of cultivating a close group of relationships…let’s take a moment to evaluate our own social circles.
Question: Do you have a form of Moai to invest-in and lean-on???
As much as I would love The Ginger Journal community to be that place for you, I believe that for true impact and support, your Moai should be composed of physical people that can meet in person on a regular bases.
So, please, let that be a goal for you this week. Find your Moai!
Let us know in the comments: What does your Moai look like? How has it helped you?