People Live Longer in “Blue Zones”

In 2004 researchers identified five areas in the world where people enjoyed significantly longer life spans. In these areas, known as “Blue Zones”, people not only lived longer, they also remained active, healthy and independent longer.  

The “blue zones” are:

• Okinawa, Japan
• Sardinia, Italy
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Ikaria, Greece
• Loma Linda, California

Researchers noticed that a plant-based diet and routine physical activity weren’t the only things that set these communities apart.  

Here are some of the other things that Blue Zones had in common.  

• Their culture had a religious or spiritual orientation 
• The elderly had a purpose in life.  
• They had strong social networks that included the elderly as an integral part of the community.  
• The old and the young had strong family connections and often lived together.  
• Ways to relieve stress were part of the culture.