Can we live well into our 90's and even 100's and be happy? According to Dan Buettner, a New York Times author and founder of Blue Zones, YES!
Working with The National Geographic, Buettner identified and studied places with the greatest life expectancy or the most people reaching 100 years old. Buettner and his expert helpers (medical researchers, anthropologists, demographers and epidemiologists) identified eight common characteristics of these long-lived people:
--Natural Movement: living in a way that consistently requires or supports moving or low-intensity exercise (he recommends 40 min per day) e.g. gardening, walking, less mechanical conveniences
--Sense of Purpose: a reason to get up in the morning can add 7 years to life expectancy
--Plant-Based Diet: meat only 5 times/mo
--80% Rule: stop eating when 80% full
--Alcohol in Moderation: 1-2 drinks/day (mostly wine in Buettner's studies)
--Faith-Based Community: attending a community service 4 times/mo can add 4-14 years to life expectancy. Related to this, a regular stress management routine, e.g. meditation, prayer, gratitude practice, also adds to longevity.
--Family First: a connection to and time spent with older and younger generations
--Supportive Tribe/Culture: social circles that support healthy behavior
All things we may be doing to some extent. All things we could more intentionally incorporate into our lives. See you in the Blue Zone!
For more info: check www.bluezone.