How many Countries Include in Live Longer Zones?

Expo park, Okinawa, Japan

First, you might know the term of “blue zone.” Yes, it is referring to areas where people live longer than other places in the world.

People may reach 100 years old or more in those areas due to two main factors:

- life style contributes to 70% of live longer

- genetic contributes to 30% only.

Initially, Dan Buettner suggested 5 places as “Blue Zones.” They are:

- Okinawa, Japan

- Sardinia, Italy

- Nicoya, Costa Rica

- Ikaria, Greece

- Loma Linda, California, USA

Beautiful view of Sardinia, Italy

Of lifestyle, some traits that make people live longer are:

- physical activities

- diet

- spiritual

- family and social networks 

One of street in Nicoya, Costa Rica

Blue zone population have regular physical activities to keep their weight. Please don’t think that they are doing exercises like what we do.

Several physical activities and calories burning are:

- mowing lawn, burning 400 calories

- laying tile, 240 calories

- spreading dirt, 270 calories

- shovel snow, 580 calories

- roofing, 340 calories

- rake leaves, 380 calories 

Ikaria island, Greece

You might guess the diet of blue zones population. Yes, they are consuming less:

- meat

- dairy products

- sugary foods

- alcohol

- smoking

Almost 95% of their consumption are:

- vegetables

- fruit

- grains

- legumes

Loma Linda, California, USA

Blue zone community is more religious compared to other areas. It is proved that people “pay attention to spiritual” activities less of:

- heart diseases

- depression

- stress

The important trait that make blue zone people live longer is “family and social networks.” Family and friends encourage each other to live well until old age.

Is your country include in “blue zone?” or have you visited one of “blue zone” countries?