I am obsessed with the Blue Zones! If you aren't sure what I’m talking about, the short answer is: it’s about a few areas in the world where the rates of people living to be 100 years old (young) or more are high. Too old for you, you say? Not if you can still dance while balancing a Sake bottle on your head as this centenarian is doing in Okinawa, Japan.
In this article, I will highlight the researcher’s findings. Additionally, you will find links to both the mainstream news articles on these concepts, as well as the Netflix original mini-series, which is hosted by the head researcher, Dan Buetiner.
So, what are these folks doing that others aren’t? First, many live in areas that are very steep, there is a lot of walking to get from place to place, and cars are only for long distances. These are very active people, but not in the ways that we typically think. No workout plans or gym memberships, these folks spend about 4-6 hours per day doing some form of physical work. This could be chores, cleaning, cooking, farming, chopping wood, or gardening, just to name a few. All of the areas eat about 3% or less of their diet from meat and fish. They eat vegetables, legumes, fresh herbs, tofu, whole grains, and fairly large meals. They value community and take part in activities with others in their area. Loneliness is a real issue in the Western world. It’s time for us to stop scrolling and start spending time together. Family is also very important in these areas with parents staying involved in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Not only that, these areas don’t have retirement homes (which take 3-6 years off our lives). Rest is also very important. So, yay, a great reason to take that afternoon nap after all.
For more on how to live like those in the Blue Zones check out one of two NPR articles from earlier this week here and here. If you are still interested in learning more, you might also consider Dan Buetiner’s book on the topic, which you can find here. Additionally, Dan Buetiner has a website where you can take a deep dive into everything Blue Zone. Again, LOVE… find it here.
Dan Buetiner also wrote a cookbook for Blue Zone cooking. I am adding this to my cookbook collection and can’t wait to crack it open. It’s called The Blue Zones Kitchen. Find it for purchase here.
Written by Sarah Carter L.Ac.