The term "Blue Zone" refers to regions around the world where people live notably longer and healthier lives compared to global averages. These areas have been identified through demographic and epidemiological research, particularly by Dan Buettner, National Geographic and a team of scientists seeking to understand the factors contributing to longevity and wellness.

Buettner's research into Blue Zones has led to documentaries and several bestselling books, including "The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest," released in 2008, which explores the common lifestyle factors shared by the inhabitants of these regions. Through his work, Buettner has popularized the concept of Blue Zones and advocated for adopting their principles to promote healthier living and longevity globally.

Buettner's research revealed five distinct regions of the world where people are known to live significantly longer and healthier lives compared to the global average. These regions became known as Blue Zones and they have common lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to the longevity and well-being of their inhabitants. These factors typically include a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, strong social connections, a sense of purpose and a low-stress lifestyle.

Where are Blue Zones?

Ikaria, Greece

The Aegean Island of Ikaria, located about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the Turkish coast, has a population of one-third who live over the age of 90 and have extremely low rates of illness. What's their fountain of youth secret, you ask? The lifestyle in Ikaria emphasizes physical activity, a plant-based Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil and strong social connections within the community.

Family and social connections are everything on this tiny and relatively isolated island with a population of under 10,000. There is a strong sense of community, and people band together and help each other out. Ikarians also spend a lot of time walking the hilly terrain as part of their social lifestyle and take daily naps, both of which are credited with their health and longevity.

Okinawa, Japan

The Okinawa Islands are located between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. They have white sandy beaches, clear water and a tropical climate. Okinawa has one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world. The Okinawan diet is low in calories and includes plenty of vegetables, tofu and fish. Additionally, Okinawans maintain an active lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity such as walking and gardening.

But what especially makes Okinawa stand out is its practice of "Moai," which groups four or five children together who remain dedicated companions throughout their lifetime. The practice was initiated hundreds of years ago to pool resources but remains in place, with these close-knit groups serving as each other's safety nets.

Okinawa also has a strong sense of purpose, which is a Japanese concept called "Ikigai," which refers to each person's unique calling and passion.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is known for having the oldest people in the world, particularly males. This rugged island off the Italian mainland has mountains, forests and coasts. The incidental exercise of their predominantly pedestrian lifestyle of walking up and down steep hills is credited with their secret to longevity.

The traditional Sardinian diet includes whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and moderate amounts of meat and dairy. They also predominantly eat goat's cheese versus cow's cheese, which is higher in protein. Last but not least, family takes precedence over work in Sardinia, with generations living together in the same household and their elders celebrated.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica is another Blue Zone, where exercise is embedded in the lifestyle, and agriculture is the main source of income. Their farm-to-table diet is mainly plant-based and rich in beans, corn, squash and tropical fruits. Family takes precedence, with multiple generations traditionally residing in the same home.

What makes the Nicoyans stand out is their "Pura Vida" mindset, which means slowing down, eliminating stress, connecting with people and nature and enjoying the simple things in life. The other concept they abide by is called "Plan de vida," which means having a soul's purpose. A soul's purpose is someone's method of providing value to others, often described as being someone's unique reason for existence to contribute to the collective good. They work hard but seek to enjoy it.

Loma Linda, California, U.S.

Loma Linda is unique among the Blue Zones as it's a tiny community in San Bernardino, California, with a population of 25,000, many of whom are Seventh-day Adventists. The Adventist Protestant Christian denomination prioritizes plant-based eating, regular exercise, a stress-free lifestyle, and a strong sense of community and purpose. This close-knit vegetarian community, located less than an hour's drive from the metropolis of Los Angeles, is living a good decade longer than its neighbors and U.S. compatriots.

What are Blue Zones' secrets to longevity?

In these regions, it's common for people to live into their 90s or even surpass 100 years of age. What's more remarkable is that they often maintain good health and vitality well into old age. While each Blue Zone has its unique cultural practices, several common lifestyle factors are shared among them. By adopting some of the practices common in these regions, individuals around the world can potentially improve their quality of life and increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

Common habits in Blue Zones

Diet

Blue Zone inhabitants typically follow a plant-based diet of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. They consume meat sparingly, often complementing meals rather than a primary dish, and only drink alcohol in moderation.

Physical Activity

Daily physical activity is a natural part of life in Blue Zones. This could include walking, gardening, or other forms of low-intensity exercise.

Social Engagement

Strong social ties and a sense of community are prevalent in Blue Zones. People often have close-knit relationships with family, friends, and neighbors, who provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.

Purpose

Blue Zones emphasize a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Whether through work, hobbies, or community involvement, people in these regions tend to stay engaged and active well into old age.

Stress reduction

Blue Zone communities often prioritize stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation and time spent in nature.

Environment

The physical environment of Blue Zones can also contribute to their inhabitants' longevity. For example, the natural beauty of these regions, access to clean air and water, lots of vitamin D and a slower pace of life all promote health and well-being.

The Blue Zones offer valuable insights into how lifestyle factors can influence longevity and overall well-being, which researchers have uncovered with the hopes of promoting practices that can improve health and quality of life worldwide. In his series of books on the subject and a Netflix documentary series, Buettner provides practical advice on incorporating these principles into our lives and creating habits and environments conducive to longevity.

Overall, "The Blue Zones" serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the secrets of longevity and offers valuable insights into how individuals can live longer, healthier lives by adopting the lifestyle choices practiced amongst the unique communities of these very special places.