Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of the World’s Longest-Lived People

In an age and world that is driven by health fads, technology, supplements, bio hacking and fitness, it is profound that there exist populations of people in the world that have achieved health and longevity in another way. Blue Zones refer to certain regions of the world where people live longer, well into their 90s and 100s, without chronic disease. 

So what’s the secret?

Lifestyle

What are Blue Zones?

Dan Buettner coined the word “Blue Zone” in 2004 when conducting research for National Geography to identify regions of the world with the longest living populations. In this research, scientists drew blue circles on a map around locations with the most amount of centenarians.

Where are these Blue Zones?

This research identified the following five blue zones:

Okinawa, Japan

Sardinia, Italy

Nicoya, Costa Rica

Ikaria, Greece

Loma Linda, California

The Power 9: How Yoga & Ayurveda Naturally Support the Power 9

Despite the separation of these different regions of the world, Buettner’s research continued to determine the common lifestyle characteristics of those living in these “Blue Zones”.  Let’s take a look at these nine common characteristics, known as the Power 9 and also consider how these naturally overlap with yoga and ayurveda:

1. Move Naturally - Daily movements such as gardening, walking, housework that are part of their daily life.

2. Purpose (“Ikigai” or “Plan de Vida”) - Strong sense of purpose and meaning to life whether that is caring for a family member, having a hobby (art, craft, etc.), contributing to community. This concept overlaps with the concept of Dharma or our inner purpose or duty.

3. Downshift - Daily rituals of “down time” such as quiet time, prayer, naps, etc. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika encourages a practice of self reflection and meditation in solitude.

4. 80% Rule - Don’t overeat, stop when you are 80% full to support digestion. Ayurveda always encourages not to overeat because this overtaxes our digestion and creates Ama or toxins in the form of undigested food. As a matter of fact, our body lets out a subtle “burp” when we are full.

5. Plant Full Diet - Diet with an abundance of vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and nuts, meat is eaten occasionally or minimally. A sattvic diet is vegetarian and full of these ingredients mentioned.

6. Wine at 5 - With the exception of Loma Linda, moderate daily alcohol with friends or community.

7. Belong to Faith Based Community - Have a spiritual or religious practice or community. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika encourages to surround yourself with those that share a common spiritual interest and also to cultivate inner discipline (Tapas) in spiritual practice.

8. Loved Ones First - Live close to loved ones and children and play an active role in their lives. The practice of yoga helps us cultivate the experience of pure love.

9. Right Tribe - Surround yourself with others that have similar healthy habits. This also overlaps with the Hatha Yoga Pradipika Chapter 2 Verse that states the success or failure of yoga is dependent on who you surround yourself with which recognizes the importance of your support. 

Power of Simplicity

Research on the people of the Blue Zones illustrates the power of simplicity on health. Whether it is simplicity in living or simplicity in habits, this simplicity naturally supports health from the inside out. The importance is consistency of including the Power 9 in your daily living.

Modern Lessons from Ancient Wisdom

Some simple lessons from the Blue Zones of Costa Rica or Japan that we can adopt in our modern life include:

Cooking at home with whole foods

Walk or bike whenever possible (maybe walk up stairs if possible)

Connect with friends and family

Build a daily ritual (dinacharya)

Find your purpose beyond your job

Prioritize sleep, gratitude, fresh air

Blue Zone living isn’t about a magic pill, an abundance of supplements, technology and stress, it is about aligning your daily life with natural movements, purpose and connection. It is about finding simplicity in your way of life that leads to ease and health from the inside out.

I found the Power 9 or common characteristics of people from the Blue Zones overlapped with most of the daily living guidance in Yoga and Ayurveda. These principles are not only further discussed but built into the design and schedules of our trainings at Pura Veda Gurukulam since they form the foundation of balanced and healthy living.

If you are interested in learning more about Blue Zones, consider Dan Buettner’s book The Blue Zones:  Secrets for Living Longer Lessons from the Healthiest Places on Earth