How much does lifestyle really have to do with successful aging? Much more than we knew until the Blue Zones were discovered! In the Blue Zones, where the planet’s highest concentrations of centenarians live, researchers have learned there are simple but very effective ways people can actually prolong their lives, and not only be healthier but happier too! Take a look at the last four Power 9® traits for successful aging shared by residents of the Blue Zones. Check out last week’s blog if you missed 1-5.
6. Wine with friends
Did you know that moderate alcohol consumption is healthier than teetotalling? In all but one of the Blue Zones, daily consumption of one-to-two alcoholic beverages is a normal part of the evening meal or other social setting, which makes it not only part of the diet, but an integral part of the different cultures and a key to successful aging.
In many Blue Zones, wine from grapes is the choice (with a Sardinian red wine called Cannonau being one of the most healthful), but in Okinawa, Japan, the rice-based liquor known as awamori is preferred. This secret to successful aging is two pronged: first drink only moderately, and second, drink in the company of friends or family.
According to the Blue Zones article, “Longevity Link: How Wine Helps You Live Longer,” when consumed with a plant-based meal, wine can help us better absorb all the antioxidants and “artery -scrubbing flavonoids” from plant foods, which may be responsible for lower rates of heart attack and stress. Furthermore, the resveratrol from grape skins in the wine is believed to protect against cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline.
7. Shared faith
Being faithful is another successful aging trait common to all of the Blue Zones. On one level, as noted in the Forbes article, “Science Says: Religion Is Good For Your Health,” research has shown that faith gives life meaning which is in itself a benefit to physical and mental health, not only to stay healthy but to cope and even improve outcomes when we do get sick.
On another level, being part of a faith-based community has its own rewards because research has found that attending faith-based services just four times each month can increase life expectancy from four to 14 years! And it does not matter what denomination it is, since they vary across research and across the Blue Zones.
8. Family bonds
Successful aging in the Blue Zones is also attributed to a “family first” mindset. The family unit is sacred in the Blue Zones where spouses are committed for life and intergenerational families commonly live together. In this way children grow up secure in a loving caring environment which helps keep child mortality rates lower, while parents and grandparents know they have help from each other when they need it.
For the older Blue Zone residents, these life-long bonds and intergenerational relationships are especially beneficial to successful aging because they allow older adults to continue being necessary, which gives them a sense of fulfillment and value, enabling longer, happier lives. For an inside look at how one Blue Zone family in Italy remained close and healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic, check out the Blue Zones article, “COVID-19 in the Blue Zones—What’s Helping Elders in Sardinia, Italy.”
9. Social tribes
Socialization is an essential part of successful aging so it’s not a big surprise that centenarians in the Blue Zones often have a circle of friends (aka “tribes”) who remain close friends for their entire lifetimes. In modern society, however, it is the norm to go through different phases of life making friends and moving on to new relationships, over and over again. Grade school, high school, college, job changes, moves, all can sever the ties of friendship that people in the Blue Zones cherish.
For older adults, losing friends over time, becoming isolated when families live elsewhere, and loss of mobility can all combine to make maintaining strong caring friendships difficult. But in the Blue Zones, friends are like family, and they lean on each other throughout their lives during good times and bad. They also share memories, behaviors, lifestyles, and faith, which all combine in successful aging. But the best thing about friendships is that it’s never too late to start one! Find out how in our blog, “Break the Ice: Tips for Making New Friends in Your New Retirement Community Home.”
At Sonrisa Senior Living, our residents are free to embrace the lifestyle they prefer, with the knowledge that we are always there to assist. Take a moment today to view our housing options and amenities and contact us to schedule your tour!
