In August of 2023, Netflix released a series called, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. The series was all about how five places on Earth are known for having the densest population of centurions (people who live to be 100 or more) as well as people who are less prone to diseases in their old age. They call these regions “blue zones”. Like the myths and legends of the fountain of youth, the blue zones were studied to see how their environments differ from other cities. The simple recipe is to: exercise daily, practise a good diet, and surround yourself with a good support network of family and friends.
Exercise:
This is a more obvious one that humans have known for ages. Exercise gets your body moving, feeling, and working better. It helps prevent falls and strengthens our bones when we have a tumble. Building muscle tone also prevents injuries like strains and sprains as well as impact absorption. A daily practice of moving well is one of the best ways to keep your body’s wellness in the long run.
Diet:
What I thought was the most interesting was called the “80% rule”. This is a philosophy that people stop eating when they feel like they are 80% full. This prevents overconsumption and helps with the gastrointestinal system’s natural rhythm. Obviously, what food makes up that 80% makes a huge difference as well. Most blue zone regions promote a veggie heavy diet.
Support:
This can be a touchy topic for anyone that isn’t close with their family. Having a support group means more than just closeness to your kinfolk. A study by Marston et al. 2021 found that people who are rooted in their community by serviced-based volunteering, religious groups, and social activities feel the same level of community connectivity. They even noted people who are rooted in a social network have a more positive psychological outlook to life and their community around them.
If you aren’t able to move to Japan, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, or the United States (California), you can always practice as they do.
Happy wellness, happy living,
Dr. Cole Maranger, DC
Marston H. et al. A Commentary on Blue Zones: A Critical Review of Age-Friendly Environments in the 21st Century and Beyond. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020837
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