It’s not news to anyone who has reached retirement age that life as we know it isn’t always good for us. But the modern world can take some lessons from the Blue Zones, five places on Earth with the highest number of centenarians. Although the Blue Zones are located far apart, they share many lifestyle similarities that help people live longer without many of the health problems that are common elsewhere. Here are five of the successful aging lifestyle traits shared by people in the Blue Zones.
1. Natural movement
The more we move the more we can move, but life has become sedentary, relieving humans of the need to move like we used to have. Why walk when you can drive? Why take the stairs when there’s an elevator? Why work in the garden when the grocery store has everything we need? In the 21st century, we are so accustomed to not moving, successful aging has become harder than ever.
In the Blue Zones natural movement is cited as one of the most healthful ways to live longer. From childhood onward, people grow up and grow old moving through each day by maintaining their homes, gardens, businesses, and families just as they have for generations. The need for bigger, better, faster does not exist, rather the slow and steady lifestyles of the Blue Zones embrace natural movement as a way of life and helps residents build and maintain strength without ever setting foot in a gym. Find out how movement aids successful aging in the U.S. News & World Report article, “Natural Movement Is Key to Improve Your Family’s Heart Health..”
2. Purposeful living
Before retirement, many older adults dream of all the things they will do when they end their careers and move on. Traveling, hobbies, spending more time on the golf course all seem like worthy goals at first. But do they promote successful aging?
In the Blue Zones, one of the keys to successful aging is purposeful living which some residents equate to “Why I wake up in the morning.” Purposeful living fulfills a passion, a responsibility, or a desire to help others, which in turn provides a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. And the health benefits of purposeful living are profound according to the Wright Foundation article, “The Amazing Benefits of Living a Purposeful Life,” and include lower risks of diseases and cognitive decline and improved immune systems.
3. Stress relief
The stresses of everyday life are much diminished in the Blue Zones, not only because life is simpler, but because people have found ways to shed stress, or “downshift,” helping them embrace successful aging through peace of mind. Techniques vary but include prayer, meditation, spending time with friends and family, and exercise, all of which are not only good for the body but the mind too. The Blue Zones article, “Fighting Chronic Stress from Current Events? You Are Not Alone ,” looks at the impacts of modern life stressors and ways to minimize stress and its related health problems.
4. Plant-based diets
The push toward a plant-based diet is nothing new, but research in the Blue Zones has shown that it really is one of the most important things we can do for successful aging. But there is more to it than eating more salads. The key is eating much less meat and more plant-based foods like whole grains, nuts, and legumes, as well as fruits, vegetables (especially dark green leafy ones), and mushrooms, to get all the protein, nutrients, and fiber our bodies need. So, what are the benefits? According to the Today article, “Want to live a longer, healthier life? The Blue Zones diet might be for you ,” research shows the benefits include lower risk of heart disease and cancer and lower cholesterol and blood sugar, all of which can make successful aging a reality.
5. The 80% rule
Not only have the Blue Zones taught us what to eat,but also how much to eat. Research has proven that the brain doesn’t register “fullness” until about 15 minutes after we are actually full, which can result in chronic overeating. But in the Blue Zones, it’s common to eat just until 80% full, a practice known as “Hara hachi bu” in the Okinawa, Japan Blue Zone. The 80% rule allows people to avoid overeating and all the negative health impacts, especially when combined with a plant-based diet, making successful aging more likely. Find out more in the cnbc.com article, “This Japanese 80% diet rule can help you live a longer life, says longevity researcher.”
Successful aging is not impossible or even difficult if we live life like residents of the Blue Zones. At Sonrisa Senior Living, our residents enjoy a healthy, meaningful and independent lifestyle in an upscale community of friends and neighbors. Find out more about what Sonrisa has to offer in housing options and amenities and contact us today.
