Evidence suggests that blue zones are the key to longevity with people living to almost 100 years old in these areas. Blue zones are regions of the world where people live much longer than average. Tracking how these people live could provide valuable information to seniors for healthy aging.
Do Certain Areas Live Longer than Others?
If you want to live longer, it’s worth investigating Blue Zones, the areas in the world where individuals, thanks to their healthy habits, grow older than people anywhere else.
One of the first areas to earn attention for its unusually long-living and healthy inhabitants was the Italian island of Sardinia. Research from 2011 found that, on average, around one in 600 people in the mountainous Barbagia region of Sardinia live to the age of 100, in contrast to one in 4,000 in the United States.
The Sardinians, and people in other Blue Zones, have a lot to teach us about how to live a long life – if we’re willing to listen.
The 5 blue zones around the world are:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Ikaria, Greece
- Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California
Longevity Diet
Eating and drinking is a key part of any lifestyle – people in the Blue Zones share basic dietary habits that help keep them healthy well into old age
Foods to Eat
- 100% whole grains: bulgur, quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal
- Nuts: A handful a day
- Beans: A cup per day
- Fruits and vegetables: 5-10 servings a day
Foods to Avoid
- Sugar-sweetened beverages: Empty calories
- Salty snacks: Too much salt and preservatives
- Packaged sweets: Cookies and candies
- Processed meats: Linked to cancer and heart disease
3 Lifestyle Tips for Longevity
1. Get Moving
People in blue zones move around a lot in their everyday lives. They get out everyday and move around a lot, such as gardening or other physical work.
Regular walking is beneficial for seniors in living longer, so find ways to keep moving naturally. Making little changes, such as biking to the store or taking the stairs can help.
2. Keep Stress to a Minimum
Having stress all the time can lead to inflammation, which causes other health issues in the body. Each of the blue zones has a different way to ease off stress:
- Ikarians – Take afternoon naps
- Adventists – Pray
- Sardinians – Enjoy wine with friends
All of these methods may be different, but they all work in reducing stress levels. You can do this yourself by meditating, walking in nature, or having fun with friends.
3. Have a Strong Sense of Family
Families put a heavy emphasis on staying together. Aging relatives are able to stay with their loved ones and have close bonds. It’s been shown that people who have strong family relationships live longer and encounter less health problems.
Spending time with your loved ones is important – Go for walks with them and take the time to make memories with them.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
