People in specifi c communities around the world live unusually long, unusually healthy lives.

Take Ikaria, Greece, where residents are more than twice as likely to reach age 90 than Americans, while experiencing only about a quarter the U.S. rate of dementia.1 Researchers have dubbed these areas Blue Zones.

Writer, explorer and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner traveled to fi ve of these communities to investigate the faith, culture and daily lives of people there. His fi ndings, compiled in The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, o� er insights into the ways we all might emulate some of our world’s oldest and most vital inhabitants. The map shows the fi ve regions Buettner visited, as well as some of the practices that contribute to residents’ exceptional longevity.

REGULAR EXERCISERoutine, low-intensity workouts keep community members fi t.

MODERATIONResidents eat an early, light dinner; many are vegetarians.

COMMUNITY Residents share hobbies and long, intimate conversations.

REST DAYOne full day a week away from normal stresses.

SUNSHINE Daily exposure boosts Nicoyans’ vitamin D.

HARD WATER Nicoyan water has high calcium content, which strengthens bones.

COOKED CORN AND BEANSThe two plants are grown together, with corn stalks providing support for climbing bean vines.

LIFE PLANCentenarians have a plan de vida that inspires them to contribute to the greater good.

WALKINGSardinian shepherds walk 5 miles a day.

PLANTSBean- and vegetable-focused diet; meat is for special occasions.

GOAT’S MILKA breakfast staple for many local centenarians.

LAUGHTER Sardinians are famous for their cutting humor.

NAPPINGIkarians recharge with midafternoon breaks.

FASTINGA common practice related to the region’s Greek Orthodox background.

HERBAL TEAShared frequently with family and friends.

CONNECTIONVillagers catch up with neighbors most evenings.

SOY Diet is heavy in tofu and miso soup.

GARDENING Engages Okinawans in daily physical activity involving a range of motion.

FRIENDS Each person has a secure support network called a moai.

PURPOSE Senior Okinawans identify their ikigai, or what motivates them every day.

How residents of fi ve regions live well while living longer

COMMON THREADS ACROSS THE BLUE ZONES

WALKING Frequent walking

DIET A plant-based diet featuring beans

WINE Red wine in moderation

PURPOSE A clear life purpose

FAMILYA family-centric social structure

PORTFOLIO

LESSONS FROM THE BLUE ZONES

1 Buettner, D. “The Island Where People Forget to Die.” The New York Times, October 24, 2012.

Loma Linda, California

Barbagia region, Sardinia, Italy

Ikaria, Greece Okinawa,

Japan

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

ssga.com/theparticipant 54 The Participant�Winter/Spring 2017

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