Most of us want to live the longest and happiest life possible. How to achieve this? Get inspired by longevity experts and the centenarians themselves.
Let aging also bring joy
Let's be honest, in recent years, naturalness has been pushed aside a bit. Most people chase after a more beautiful, younger, and nowadays almost uniform appearance. However, aging is one of the most natural parts of life. It's great if we can make it more pleasant and easier, but happy (ageing) old people who consider their lives fulfilled don't have smooth skin, full lips, or sparkling white teeth. Because something completely different leads to longevity and a fulfilling life.
It is the values we embrace, the food we consume daily, the environment we live in, and the relationships we maintain. These and many other aspects related to longevity have been researched for years by American researcher and writer Dan Buettner, who later applied his findings in practice and now presents them to us in a Netflix documentary. Since this topic resonates with our values, we decided to dedicate space to it and thus contribute to the development of longevity in our region. 🙂
What are Blue Zones anyway?
These are remarkable places characterized by the healthiest and longest-living populations in the world. They were discovered and named by Dan Buettner, who, along with National Geographic, sought the recipe for longevity. The documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones introduces 5 places with the highest incidence of centenarians – Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (USA). Experts are now applying the knowledge gained from these places in various communities, especially in the United States.
If you're wondering why they're called Blue Zones, there's a story behind it. In 1999, Italian researcher Dr. Gianni Pes presented a paper at an international longevity conference about the extraordinary concentration of centenarians (which, by the way, even experts initially refused to believe). Whenever he found such a place, he marked it on his map with a blue dot. At one point, there were so many blue dots in one location that they formed a patch, which led to the name Blue Zones.
The journey to health and longevity in practice
In the Blue Zones mentioned in the documentary, people did not strive for longevity. It was simply a result of their way of life. It's sad that some of them have succumbed to the influence of globalization, fast food, and many other pitfalls associated with modern times, and longevity is slowly fading away from them. On the other hand, we can be glad that someone mapped these places, so everyone interested in living a healthier life can be inspired by their inhabitants. How to do it?
Eat and find purpose in life like the Japanese
The longevity of people in Okinawa is based on healthy eating and dietary habits. They eat only until about 80% full, meaning they are satisfied but not overstuffed. Another aspect is their vitality, which they also maintain by using minimal furniture, requiring them to get up from the floor many times daily. They stay in shape by working in the garden, exercising, playing board games, or playing musical instruments. They often meet with friends, sing, dance, and most importantly, laugh a lot. They are also kept alive by what they call ikigai, the concept of finding meaning in their life. They do something that will remain after them, through which they know their value.
Take care of your family like Sardinians
The inhabitants of Sardinia are helped to a long life by the landscape itself, especially the hills where villages with high longevity are nestled, and which they have to conquer daily. They eat a lot of vegetables, but they also often enjoy carbohydrates. However, their preparation of pasta and bread is different, making them healthier. These people are less stressed because they spend a lot of time in nature, with animals, and with their families. We would look in vain for nursing homes there. Seniors are also happily cared for by family members in their homes.
Our tip: As "centenarians" from Sardinia teach us, not all foods often labeled as villains truly are. They can always be prepared in a healthier way, or we can find healthier alternatives. Feel free to indulge in sweets, but ideally naturally sweetened, for example, with fruit. This is exactly what Care Water functional drinks are, which also support immunity and vitality, fight fatigue, and stress.
Help and eliminate stress like the people of Loma Linda
In the town of Loma Linda, California, a church prevails that advocates a healthy lifestyle. One of the main aspects leading to longevity is faith and also volunteering, in which almost everyone participates. The basis of their diet is plant-based food, and stress reduction is also important. They believe that worries give us nothing, only take away energy. (Many of us should probably repeat that as a mantra, right? 🙂
Enjoy nature's treasures and time with loved ones like Ikarians
Greeks living on the island of Ikaria also ensure their long lives by drinking herbal teas with raw honey. By not being boiled or pasteurized, it retains many beneficial substances. They drink quality natural wine and spend a lot of time with their families and friends. They laugh a lot, dance, and simply care for their relationships throughout their lives.
Wake up with a clear plan and work like Costa Ricans
In Nicoya, Costa Rica, people have a clear purpose in life, called plan de vida. They work hard, but for shorter periods. They know how to slow down, relax, and enjoy time with family and friends. Their health is also cared for by the fact that they do most activities manually, burning a lot of calories without even realizing it. Three foods are prominent in their diet – corn, beans, and pumpkin, which provide them with all the necessary amino acids.
Our tip: Insights from the Blue Zones show how important it is to socialize if we want to live the happiest and longest life possible. Loneliness can cost us up to 15 years of life. For social people, fulfilling this point will be relatively easy, but what about introverts? If you are one of them, start small. Invite one or two friends home, go exercise together, or go out into nature. Even on the gloomiest days, try to push yourself to reach out to someone close. It really helps. If you add a healthy and tasty drink, you'll support your hydration, delight your taste buds, and create a pleasant ritual full of functional ingredients, vitamins, and minerals.
It's probably not possible to completely change your life and incorporate all the aforementioned aspects that influence longevity. However, there are so many that everyone can choose their own path to a healthier life. Some steps are easy to implement, others will be more difficult, but the main thing is effort. So try it and strive to persevere, even with wrinkles on your face. Especially if they are from laughter. 🙂
