Why Do People in Blue Zones Live Longer?

Wondering what the secret to living to 90 or 100 is? Maybe it's time to pack up and move to one of the Blue Zones. What are these communities doing that we aren’t? And what can we learn from their ways of living? 

The Blue Zones

Certain regions in the world exist where people live longer than average. These are called ‘Blue Zones’, and several studies have linked these areas to high rates of nonagenarians and centenarians (people who live over 90 and 100).

The most famous Blue Zones are:

• The Okinawa Prefecture in Japan
• The Nuoro Province in Sardinia, Italy
• The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica
• The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica

While the secret behind total immortality is yet to be cracked, there’s a lot that we can learn from the people living in the world’s Blue Zones. Ahead, learn the lifestyle factors that are common to those living in these regions.

1. Plant-based diets

Among those who live in the Blue Zones, they primarily eat a 95% plant-based diet that’s rich in vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. While most groups are not strictly vegetarian, they tend to only eat meat several times a month. 

2. Alcohol is enjoyed in moderation

In the Icarian and Sardinian Blue Zones, consuming one to two glasses of red wine per day is common. Sardinian Cannonau wine, in particular, is made from Grenache grapes, which are extremely rich in antioxidants compared to their grape counterparts. One role of antioxidants is to help prevent DNA damage that can contribute to ageing. Therefore, it’s safe to say that antioxidants may be more important for longevity than we think! (Note that these benefits are only seen for moderate alcohol consumption.)

3. Exercise is a part of daily life

Heard of incidental exercise? Well, those living in the Blue Zones are masters at it! This is because, in these areas, people don’t exercise purposefully, for example, by going to the gym or yoga or pilates classes. Instead, exercise is a part of their daily lifestyles. They move their body by walking longer distances to work, gardening and completing other active tasks daily.

4. Sleep is prioritised

Sleep experts have been praising sleep for many years, and no one knows this more than those in the Blue Zones, who not only prioritise sufficient sleep but who often take daytime naps. In these regions, people tend to not have set bedtime, waking hours or set work times – they simply sleep as much as they need. 

5. They have a life purpose

Imagine waking up with purpose! While many of us dry-sense-of-humour types likely *can’t relate*, those in the Blue Zones would likely laugh at our indifference. (And who can blame ‘em?)  In Japan, this is known as “ikigai” – something that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living. In Nicoya, they call this “plan de vida”, meaning “Soul’s Purpose” or “why I wake up each morning.” This purpose or reason for living is associated with a reduced risk of death.

Wrap up 

From embracing predominantly plant-based diets to cultivating a profound sense of purpose, the Blue Zones offer many reasons why life within them is enriched, benefitting both mind and body and fostering longevity well into octogenarian and centenarian ages. It’s pretty incredible, don’t you think!

Found this blog fascinating? Next, discover How To Live Well As You Age.