Lessons From the Blue Zones

Blue zones are areas in the world where it’s standard to make it to the 100th birthday without aging-related problems like falling, diabetes, cancer or dementia. Researchers have been busy investigating what about makes these areas different, so that enjoying life is part and parcel of aging, and here’s what they’ve learned.

1. Exercise is life, not a scheduled activity.

In one of the blue zones, Okinawa, researchers were intrigued to discover that sitting on the ground was standard, even for the aged. As a result, even the 100-year-olds were spry and quick to rise from the ground.

It makes sense. If it’s no problem to rise, then lowering yourself all the way to the ground is also easy. Each muscle group involved is toned and primed for constant action because their days are filled with rising and lowering completely.

Another finding revealed that people who live in homes with stairs actually live longer and healthier lives because of the required, built-in exercise of constant stair climbing. While this wouldn’t be the case for folks introducing stairs later in life, those who have always climbed stairs are in good shape if they continue this daily lifestyle into old age.

Contrast this “lifestyle exercise” with our modern mainstream mentality: each New Years, resolve on an exercise regimen, try to stay consistent, and if you slack off and ever do end up in the hospital because of a fall, physical therapy is there to help you exercise your way home.

What makes this mindset so dangerous isn’t just that falling hurts. Because of all the extra medications that can happen after a hospital and rehab stint, adverse effects and future falls are more likely. By living in homes where exercise is a built-in, necessary part of life, it’s no wonder that so many have eliminated the fear of falling—and are living substantially longer as a result.

2. Food is for fuel.

Researchers also discovered that another commonality in the blue zones was that people stopped eating when or before they were completely full. By stopping at 80% satiety rather than when completely full, obesity wasn't a factor. Obviously, many health problems get eliminated when a healthy weight is the standard.

3. Friends and family are integrated.

In these blue zones, inter-generational living is the norm. There’s no guilt from not visiting grandma, or resentment from not getting a visit from grandkids, because everyone lives near and relies on one another in various ways. The aged are invited to contribute their wisdom into daily conversations, and the young aren’t shoved away for their chatty inconvenience. All generations enjoy one another, and the result is a knowledge that “I am needed” which adds instant years to one’s life.

4. Peace is scheduled.

In these areas, some form of quiet time is built into the day. Regardless of age, regardless of the stresses occurring at the season, everyone knows that a certain time of day will bring a peaceful time for contemplation. Mental exhaustion is eliminated, strengthening the minds of everyone, old or young.

While many in the blue zones are concerned that their younger generations aren’t following the same lifestyles that have gotten them living to 100 with an excellent quality of life, any of us can make the most of these lessons so we can also enjoy healthy, happy, active lives at home well into our golden years.

If you'd like help in planning how to optimize your routine to prevent many of the common dangers related to aging, feel free to call or email me for a friendly conversation! It costs nothing to call, and I'd love to see if Cura can be of service to you or your family.

Moises

Moises Paz

615-522-5265

mpaz@curaforcare.com

YOUR TURN.

What can you implement from the blue zones to make it easier to live longer with a better quality of life?