Blue Zones
Posted: Mon Nov 22, 2010 1:17 am
The author visits four spots in the world that have a significantly disproportionate number of centenarians -- they were located in Sardinia, Costa Rica, Okinawa, and a Seventh Day adventist community in the United States. He tries to figure out what characteristics they have that might give insight into living longer.
One thing I learned is how young the science is. None of the scientists had strong data-driven conclusions, and most operated from insights about the various cultures. The final chapter in the book gathers together the insights into nine steps for longer living. Pretty much common wisdom, but it’s interesting that these are the nine they came up with from their four studies.
• move naturally in your life as much as possible;
• eat until your 80% full;
• minimize meat and processed foods;
• drink red wine in moderation;
• live with purpose;
• build in down time – socializing, rest, a sabbath, meditation, simplify;
• participate in a spiritual community;
• make family a priority;
• surround yourself with people who share these values.
They have an interactive web site, www.bluezones.com where you can take tests and learn stuff and, of course, buy books, cds, etc.
One thing I learned is how young the science is. None of the scientists had strong data-driven conclusions, and most operated from insights about the various cultures. The final chapter in the book gathers together the insights into nine steps for longer living. Pretty much common wisdom, but it’s interesting that these are the nine they came up with from their four studies.
• move naturally in your life as much as possible;
• eat until your 80% full;
• minimize meat and processed foods;
• drink red wine in moderation;
• live with purpose;
• build in down time – socializing, rest, a sabbath, meditation, simplify;
• participate in a spiritual community;
• make family a priority;
• surround yourself with people who share these values.
They have an interactive web site, www.bluezones.com where you can take tests and learn stuff and, of course, buy books, cds, etc.