A holistic recipe for a long life
The so-called "Blue Zones" keep a very special secret: a recipe for a long, fulfilling life. A total of five regions in the world are known as the blue zone. In addition to distant destinations such as the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica, a Californian community called Loma Linda and the Japanese island of Okinawa, two European islands also make it onto the list: Sardinia in Italy and the small island of Ikaria in Greece. An above-average number of ninety-year-olds and centenarians live here who enjoy excellent health. But what is actually behind it and what is the secret behind the "Blue Zones"? Can we maybe even learn something from it?
Seclusion and many hours of sunshine
First and foremost, it is noticeable that almost all “Blue Zones” are located on islands or are quite remote. At the same time, there is a predominantly warm climate in all places and there are many hours of sunshine. Not all of us live in secluded places that are regularly kissed by the sun. The nice thing: In addition to the geographical and climatic conditions, there are other similarities of the blue zones that you can easily integrate into your own everyday life. The researchers have identified the following lifestyle characteristics that should ensure a long life.
You are what you eat
The remote location of the “Blue Zones” ensures that the residents are largely self-sufficient. Their diet is mainly seasonal and regional, so they eat what is available locally - depending on the time of year -. A large part of the diet is plant-based and consists largely of legumes, which are rich in nutrients and contain a lot of protein. In Sardinia, for example, people like to eat fava beans and on Ikaria chickpeas are particularly popular.
In addition, a lot of green vegetables such as spinach and lettuce, cabbage and cucumber land on the residents' plates. In addition, there are largely unprocessed whole grain products, but also rice, millet and rye. Natural nuts are also at the top of the long-lived diet.
Plant-based, balanced and not overeating
Meat and fish are also eaten, but only rarely. The menu in the “Blue Zones” is characterized above all by its balance. At the same time, residents take care not to overeat. So instead of eating until they can no longer eat, they only eat until the stomach is about 80 percent full. Smaller bowls and plates will help reduce the amount of food and calories. The residents of the “Blue Zones” also use moderate amounts of alcohol: Red wine is consumed in moderate amounts - preferably in good company, which brings us to the next point.
A strong social network that you can rely on
What the “Blue Zones” also have in common is a well-developed social network - above all the family. It is paramount, it is valued and you spend a lot of time together. The family commitment is also carried into the neighborhood: There is a high level of social commitment in all “Blue Zones”. No matter how old you are, everyone has their role in the community. The community cares for one another and is there for one another. The life and work of the residents are filled with meaning. It is also interesting that in all regions examined, religion or a certain spirituality plays a central role, in which the residents also actively contribute.
Exercise regularly in the fresh air
Last but not least, the residents of the “Blue Zones” exercise regularly, but never excessively. Easy hikes or walks in the fresh air are just as much a part of people's everyday life as gentle sports units such as yoga or Pilates and are already sufficient to make a positive contribution to longevity. Incidentally, this also automatically leads to a lower perception of stress in people - a component that should not be neglected in the secret mix of ingredients for a long life.
The secret to a long life is out
The “Blue Zones” show that simple means are enough to have a positive influence on longevity and to live a life filled with meaning. A largely plant-based diet, a strong social community, social commitment, the belief in something bigger and regular exercise are all things that everyone can easily integrate into their own everyday life.
If you want to learn even more from the islanders, you could easily spend your next vacation in a “blue zone”. We can pay you a visit at "Domu Antiga" Highly recommend in Sardinia. The sustainable boutique hotel brings its guests closer to the Sardinian way of life in an authentic way - for example during a cooking course or an excursion into untouched, wild nature. You can find more information about this here.
The term “Blue Zones” comes from Dan Buettner, whose work is published for the first time in the National Geographic magazine cover story appeared in English.
Lisa Klakow
Lisa helped set up the Good Travel Blog and will write for us as a freelance author in the future. She is passionate about traveling and dancing around the world with a small ecological footprint.
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