Lessons From The Longest Lived
The Danish Twin Study concluded that the length that someone may live is about 20% due to genetics and 80% about lifestyle. Other researchers like Claude Bouchard and colleagues have found it closer to 40% genetic. Irrespective of the exact number, it very much highlights the importance of lifestyle on living longer.
5 demographically confirmed, geographically defined areas with the highest percentage of
centenarians (individuals that live to over 100 years of age):
- Loma Linda, California, USA
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Sardinia, Italy
- Ikaria, Greece
- Okinawa, Japan
Blue Zones uncovered 9 evidence-based common denominators among the world’s centenarians that are believed to slow this aging process.
1) MOVE NATURALLY
The more you move in natural type situations the better it is. This is the difference between working out for 60 minutes per day vs being more active throughout the day. These individuals grow gardens, do not use many mechanical conveniences etc. Simply put they use their body more throughout the day and as a result burn more total calories throughout the day than the average.
2) PURPOSE or “KNOWING YOUR WHY”
The Okinawans call it Ikigai and the Nicoyans call it plan de vida; for both, it translates to “why I wake up in the morning.” Arguabbly this is one of the most important aspects.
3) DOWNSHIFT
Everyone has stress, but these individuals have specific tricks/tips/techniques that they utilize to minimize the response. Could be a daily walk. a daily meditation or something similar.
4) THE 80% RULE
80% Rule. Hara hachi bu—the Okinawan 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. This is a great general rule and helps everyone avoid overeating. This plays a major role in reducing the creeping weight/fat gain that occurs for many over many years.
5) PLANT SLANT
Although meat is not completely avoided it is somewhat limited. This is many times due to the environment/climate and accessibility of plant based foods.
6) WINE @ 5
Wine. People in all Blue Zones drink alcohol moderately and regularly. Moderate drinkers outlive nondrinkers. The trick is to drink 1 to 2 glasses per day, with friends and/or with food.
7) BELONG
Belonging is vital. Through faith based organizations or other community based environments with other like minded individuals that share similar passions.
8) LOVED ONES FIRST
Keeping elderly close by as they age, being married to a life partner and generally helping family and being helped by family both seem to provide a multitude of benefits.
9) RIGHT TRIBE
Right tribe. The world’s longest lived people chose—or were born into—social circles that supported
healthy behaviors, Okinawans created “moais”—groups of 5 friends that committed to each other for life. Great friends and individuals that are positive, have a passion for life and also follow the similar tenets outlined above certainly does make a difference.
The information above provides some great ideas that everyone can work toward to help live a longer more fulfilled life. If you are interested in reading more about the data from the BLUE ZONES please CLICK HERE
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