The “Blue Zones” are the spots around the world – in Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California – where people tend to live to around 100 years old and often avoid dementia.
US Dan Buettner (pictured) made the term – the brainchild of the European demographers Michel Poulain and Gianni Pes – popular many years ago in a story for National Geographic.
So, what is the secret to living longer for these people?
While they have some factors in common – like a healthy diet, moving around every 20 minutes or so during the day and close relationships with friends – Mr Buettner says there’s nothing unique about the genes or the willpower of people who live in Blue Zones.
“People start thinking that the entrance way to a healthier lifestyle – for most Americans – is through their mouths,” he told Business Insider. “But the core tenant of Blue Zones, and it took me about 10 years to realise what I’m about to tell you, none of them have better discipline, better diets, better individual responsibility, they don’t have better genes than us.”
Instead, he says: “they live a long time because longevity happens to them.”
Eating a diet based around plants only accounts for around 50 per cent of the reasons these people live longer.
The other half of longevity is about making healthy choices part of your everyday routine.
“If you want to live longer and be healthier, don’t try to change your behaviours, because that never lasts for the long run,” he said. “Think about changing your environment.”
It’s not impossible either. Mr Buettner has successfully ‘reverse-engineered’ “Blue Zones” in cities and towns across the US, starting with his hometown of Albert Lea in Minnesota where 18,000 locals lost four tonnes of fat.
How did they do it? The city added 10 miles of footpaths and bike lanes for its residents, and local businesses made a point of offering healthier choices and people began creating their own walking groups.
But if you’re looking for a quick fix, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
“When it comes to longevity, there’s no short-term fix,” Mr Buettner said. “There’s no pill or supplement or hormone. If you’re not going to do something for years or decades, don’t even bother with it.”
Point taken.
