What is the secret to living a long and healthy life? The Netflix docu-series "Live to 100: Secrets of Blue Zones" has uncovered the truth and shared those secrets. It’s packed with powerful insights from special regions around the world - called “Blue Zones” - where people consistently live to be over one hundred years old. Let's delve into key lessons for a healthier lifestyle from these Blue Zones and discover how you can incorporate them into your own life.
Curious about where these blue zones are? We’ll share these special places with you at the end of the blog!
Move More and Naturally
In vibrant Blue Zones, people ditch the gym and opt for natural exercise like strolling around, getting their hands dirty in the garden, and even doing good, old-fashioned manual labor. Not only does natural exercise keep the body strong and flexible, but it also adds a dash of adventure and energy to the daily routine. So, find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your life. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week - that’s just 20 minutes per day - like brisk walking or even splashing around in the pool. Even if 20 minutes per day seems out of reach, just do what you can. Let's shake it up and embrace the joy of movement! We share some ideas to get your body moving in this blog, check them out!
Eat More Plants
One thing Blue Zone communities have in common is their love for plant-based diets. These diets are jam-packed with juicy fruits, vibrant veggies, legumes, and hearty whole grains. Not only does this approach provide all the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber you need, but it also slashes the risk of chronic diseases. And remember, keep the red meat and processed foods in moderation.
Nurture Community
Blue Zone communities nurture family, friends, and a deep sense of belonging. These tight-knit communities thrive on regular social interactions, support networks, and the power of togetherness, which ultimately leads to reduced stress levels and an overall happiness boost. So, go ahead and nurture those meaningful relationships with your beloved family, friends, and the awesome community around you. Dive into social activities, lend a helping hand as a volunteer, or join clubs and organizations that resonate with your interests. This can be the first step to creating your own Blue Zone!
Maintain a Sense of Purpose
People living in Blue Zones jump-start the day with a clear purpose and a reason to conquer the day. Blue Zone centenarians swear by having a strong sense of purpose, which keeps them going strong for years. Ask yourself, what gives me joy? What makes me feel connected? Explore your passions, indulge in your interests, and dive into hobbies that bring you pleasure and fulfillment. Whether it's volunteering, learning a new skill, or simply spending quality time with your loved ones, make every day count and embrace the zest for life!
Slow Down and De-stress
Blue Zone communities have got this stress thing under control. They incorporate practices like meditation or prayer into their routines to keep stress levels at bay. Slowing down also shows up at mealtime. Try to take their lead by eating your meals slowly, savoring the food, and enjoying conversation and company during meals. You can also incorporate other stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, like taking a nap during the day, meditating, deep breathing exercises, or simply basking in the healing powers of nature with a walk in the park. Think about what helps you relax and do that more often.
The Blue Zones offer glimpses into the realm of aging gracefully. Although genetics do play a part, the lifestyle choices and habits of these communities demonstrate that small, yet impactful adjustments in our daily routines can contribute to longevity.
If you feel inspired by these tips but could use some extra support to make these changes, it might be a good time to explore in-home care. In addition to keeping you safe, home care also focuses on providing companionship and assistance, and can help you incorporate some of the healthy habits that the Blue Zones teach us. Our approach to home care at Cooperative Home Care Associates (CHCA) is centered around treating you like family and prioritizing your well-being. If you'd like to learn more, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
As promised, the Blue Zones are…
- Ikaria, Greece
- Sardinia, Italy
- Islands of Okinawa, Japan
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Loma Linda, California
