A National Geographic Explorer, Dan Buettner, started to study communities worldwide back in 1999, where the inhabitants had the common denominator of living past 100 years. Not only did they live long, but they also lived better lives, with health, meaning, and love. In other words, dying young as old as possible.
Five communities in different countries were identified: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.
Buettner found similar habits and practices wherever he found long-lived populations. What did these communities have in common?
Move Naturally: walk everywhere, work in their gardens, and clean their own homes.
Right Outlook: a sense of purpose as to why they wake up, and develop routines to deal with stress.
Eat Wisely: stop eating when 80% full, eat plant-forward, and drink moderately with friends and/or food.
Connect: connect with friends who support healthy behaviors, belong to a faith-based community, and put families first.
Now, Buettner is creating American Blue Zones. His team helped create Blue Zones in Albert Lea, Minnesota; the Beach Cities in Los Angeles; and Muscatine, Iowa. Buettner has written nine books on recipes, challenges, lessons, and secrets for living longer. There is also an interesting four-part series on Netflix.
So, how does all of this translate to our daily lives? Have fun, laugh more, eat at home, cook from scratch, attend faith services, exercise daily, control stress, stay close to family and friends, volunteer, and drink only occasionally. Easy right? Well, at least Talley Farms can help with two of those activities, and the convenience of subscribing to a Talley Box will help relieve the stress of shopping for healthy food.
