The Blue Zone

Did you know that there are places in the world where people live to be 100 or beyond? These areas are called the "Blue Zone." Dan Buettner is the founder of Blue Zones, an organization that researches the world's longest lived populations. An article in Northwest Prime Time (February/March issue), a newspaper targeted to the 50+ population stated that for over a decade, Mr. Buettner, with the support of the National Geographic Society, has been studying the places around the world where people live the longest.

The five locations he has identified as "The Blue Zones" are the Greek Island of Ikaria, Nicoya, Costa Rica, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy and Loma Linda, California. Some of the common practices of these people are:

1. Keep Moving - Find ways to move naturally, like walking or gardening.
2. Find Purpose and pursue it with passion
3. Slow Down - Work less, rest, take vacations.
4. Stop Eating - When you're 80 percent full, stop!
5. Dine on Plants - Eat more vegetables and less meat & processed foods.
6. Drink Red Wine - Do it consistently but in moderation.
7. Join a group - Create a healthy social network.
8. Feed your soul - Engage in spiritual activities.
9. Love your tribe - Make family/friends a high priority.

Do these suggestions sound familiar!

While many of us might not be interested in living to 100 years or beyond, living a healthy lifestyle while we're here sounds like a plan to me!

Together we thrive,

Jacqueline