They are called blue zones – places in the world where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth.  Several of these blue zones exist, and in each of these places people living to 90 or even 100 years is common.  And they aren’t just living long either – these people are living healthy – without medication or disability (see video later in this post).

Five blue zones have so far been identified and thoroughly researched by journalist Dan Buettner in a partnership with National Geographic during more than five years of on-site investigation.  So what is the secret to longevity and health underlying these fascinating communities?  Do they possess modern technology, do they take massive amounts of supplements, do they run on treadmills, do they have special genes?  As you may have guessed, the answer is none of these.

The five blue zones are as follows:

• The Italian island of Sardinia
• Okinawa, Japan
• Loma Linda, California
• Costa Rica’s isolated Nicoya Peninsula
• Ikaria, an isolated Greek island

Its Lifestyle, Stupid!

So lets cut to the chase instead of building up the suspense any further.  After more than five years of investigation, what has Buettner discovered about why people in these places are living so long?  The secret is lifestyle.  Quite simply, these people live a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet, daily exercise,  and a low stress life that incorporates family, purpose, religion, and meaning.  Sure we can go into more detail, and we will, but at a high level it really is this simple.   Check out this video:

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