Why do people in Blue Zones live to 100 or more

By Sunil Saxena

If you are asked the question: Do you want to live till 100? Your answer would be an explosive No.

And you will not be the only one to say no. Everyone and anyone would respond similarly.

The reason is not hard to understand. Ageing inevitably brings misery and sickness, and no one wants to suffer endlessly.

However, there are five places in the world where the elderly age with dignity, and longevity is not a curse.

So, what are these places, and what is so special about them?

The five places, known as Blue Zones, where people have lifespans extending over 100 years are: Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece and Loma Linda in California.

Dan Buettner, whose five books on longevity and happiness, figure on New York Times Bestselling lists, decided to visit these places and find out the secret of their happy ageing.

He published his findings on CNBC.com last month in a story titled “I talked to 263 of the world’s longest-living people—their 9 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life.”

The findings are a revelation. They describe the “9 non-negotiables” or the nine habits of these long living folks. The nine habits, which Buettner also refers to as “Power 9”, are based on his conversations with 263 people aged 100 and older.

The following are the nine findings that Buettner shared on CNBC.com and which you too can adopt in your daily life if you want to age happily:

Finding 1: The people of Blue Zones do not count the minimum number of steps they take every day but consider walking a natural activity. What this means is that these folks walk around their homes, to the markets, to the beaches or to the homes of their friends or relatives as the need may be. For them, walking is not a regimen prescribed by a doctor to stay healthy. But a natural part of their daily life.

Finding 2: Work may be a part of life but that is not the reason of their lives. In fact, both Okinawans and Nicoyans have an interesting interpretation of life. The Okinawans call it Ikigai while while the Nicoyans refer to it as “plan de vida.” Interestingly, both mean the same — “Why do I wake up in the morning.” This tradition works like an anchor, and helps them live longer.

Finding 3: They have found simple ways to keep stress away. As described by CNBC.com, these unique stress busters are: “Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians have happy hour.”

Finding 4: It is interesting to know that when it comes to meals the Okinawans follow a 2,500-year-old rule. The mantra called the “Hara hachi bu” is chanted before every meal. It reminds the Okinawans to stop eating when their stomach is 80% full. Residents of other Blue Zones don’t have any such mantra. But they too avoid overloading their stomachs, especially in the evening. They eat a light meal in the late afternoon or early evening and then skip the rest of the day.

Finding 5: This rule will make every vegetarian smile with joy. Believe it or not, the staple diet of the people of Blue Zones is beans, such as fava, black, soy, and lentils. The consumption of meat is limited. On an average, meat is consumed five times a month. Here too the portions are small – something like three to four ounces a meal.

Finding 6: The Blue Zone folks do not mind alcohol but they consume it in mild doses. The more interesting point here is that moderate drinkers do better than non-drinkers when it comes to longevity.

Finding 7: Faith is an important part of their lives. Buettner found that 258 of the 263 centenarians were members of some faith-based group.

Finding 8: There is a close relationship between children, ageing parents and grandparents in the Blue Zones. The parents and grandparents either live with their children or live close by.  This bonhomie generates respect and caring. There is no emotional gap or lack of support but a strong sense of belonging.

Finding 9: The Okinawans have one more great tradition. They form “moais”, which are groups of five friends who vow to support each other for life. Once again what you see is a sense of kinship or bonding.

Read: XPRIZE throws a $101 million challenge: change the way we age

(This article is based on Dan Buettner’s article in CNBC.com titled “I talked to 263 of the world’s longest-living people—their 9 ‘non-negotiables’ for a long, happy life.”)