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Longevity

Blue Zones

Black Beauty [microform] : the Autobiogr... (by Sewell, Anna, 1820-1878)
Longevity : The Means of Prolonging Life...
Theories and Facts for Students of Longe... (by Bersford, Thomas)

As we age, we yearn to remain healthy and retain our quality of life. Many believe that age is just a number and that people are only as old as they feel.

Age doesn’t hinder some from pursuing an education, exploring an interest, or even engaging in an extreme sport. Former President George H. W. Bush went skydiving in celebration of his ninetieth birthday.

American folk artist Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who also went by the moniker “Grandma Moses,” began painting when she was in her seventies. English novelist Anna Sewell also began her short-lived writing career when she was 51 years old (the life expectancy at that time was approximately 48 years old) and in declining health. Despite expectations, she published Black Beauty when she was 57 years old. American artist Georgia O’Keeffe, known as the “Mother of American modernism,” painted until her death at 99 years old.

It’s the vitality, health, and quality of life of those like Grandma Moses, Anna Sewell, and Georgia O’Keeffe that intrigue Dan Buettner, educator, author, and National Geographic fellow. Buettner is recognized worldwide for his research on longevity. He developed an interest in the subject in relation to demographics when he was traveling the globe as an endurance biker.

Exposure to other cultures and their lifestyles sparked his research on “Blue Zones”—regions of the world that have the longest life expectancy, disability-free life expectancy, or concentration of people over 100 years old.

He identified the Blue Zone regions as Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and, Loma Linda, California. Although scattered across the world, these residents share several commonalities.

Rather than exercising at gyms and adhering to strict fitness routines, people in Blue Zones “move naturally” about their environments. They don’t have modern conveniences to assist them with yardwork, household chores, or other arduous tasks. They also share a sense of “purpose” and their daily routines include stress relieving activities such as napping, praying, or enjoying a glass of wine with family or friends.

People who reside in Blue Zones enjoy the smallest meals of the day in late afternoon or early evening and don’t indulge in another meal until the following morning. Beans are the cornerstone of most of their diets. They also drink alcohol moderately and regularly (except for the Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda who don't drink alcohol).

John Gardner, M.D., the author of Longevity: The Means of Prolonging Life After Middle Age also referenced alcohol in moderation as a key to longevity. He wrote, “Science, common sense, Holy Scripture, and all experience testify to the benefits to be derived from wine when used in moderation and with proper restrictions.”

Most people who live in Blue Zones belong to some type of faith-based community. They value family and marriage and were either born into or chose social circles that supported healthy behaviors.

To compare or contrast today’s health advice with information published in the early 1900s, read Theories and Facts for Students of Longevity and Health by Thomas Bersford.

By Regina Molaro