Blue Zone
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blue Zones is a project of the Quest Network, Inc that studies the regions of the world where people commonly live active lives past the age of 100 years. Scientists and demographers have classified these longevity hot-spots by their inhabitant’s uncanny ability to live longer, on average, than anyone else in the world.
Contents |
[edit] Where do Blue Zones exist?
Scientists and demographers have spent extensive time and resources to determine that Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California, are among a few of the locations where inhabitants exhibit exceptional longevity.
In Sardinia, Italy, one team of demographers found a hot spot of longevity in mountain villages where men reach age of 100 years at an amazing rate. On the islands of Okinawa, Japan, another team examined a group that is among the longest lived on Earth. And in Loma Linda, California, researchers studied a group of Seventh-Day Adventists who rank among America's longevity all-stars. Residents of these three places produce a high rate of centenarians, suffer a fraction of the diseases that commonly kill people in other parts of the developed world, and enjoy more healthy years of life.[1]
Other regions exist that could be considered Blue Zones. One such region can be found on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. The Nicoya Peninsula was the subject of research on the expedition which began on January 29th, 2007, to the area by Dan Buettner's Quest Network.
[edit] What can we learn from the people living in Blue Zones?
The people inhabiting Blue Zones share common lifestyle characteristics that contribute to their longevity. Among the lifestyle characteristics shared among the Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda Blue Zones are the following:[2]
- Family - Family is put ahead of other concerns.
- No Smoking - Centenarians do not typically smoke.
- Plant-Based Diet - The majority of food consumed is derived from plants.
- Constant Moderate Physical Activity - Moderate physical activity is an inseparable part of life.
- Social Engagement - People of all ages are socially active and integrated into their communities.
- Legumes - Legumes are commonly consumed.
[edit] References
- ^ Buettner, Dan: "The Secrets of Long Life.", page 9. National Geographic, November 2005.
- ^ Quest Network Blue Zones - Longevity Secrets: "Live Longer, Better: Longevity Secrets", Quest Network, 2006.
