What is all this stuff about "Blue Zones"

photo from Blue Zone website

Nick and Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic to find the world’s longest-lived people and study them.  Their premise is that the key to longevity is lifestyle and environment, based upon the Danish Twin Study which established than only about 20% of how long the average person lives is determined by genes.  They found five areas that they have called “Blue Zones” where the population is the healthiest.  Among the five areas they found 9 common habits:

1. Move Naturally 
The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it.
2. Purpose. Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to seven years of extra life expectancy
3. Down Shift
 Have routines to shed that stress: pray, nap, meditate, etc.  
4. 80% Rule
 Stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. Smallest meal in the late afternoon or early evening and then they don’t eat any more the rest of the day.
5. Plant Slant
 Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Meat—mostly pork—is eaten on average only five times per month.  Serving sizes are 3-4 oz., about the size of deck or cards.
6. Wine @ 5
 Moderate drinkers 1-2 glasses per day with friends and/or with food outlive non-drinkers.
7. Belong
 Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.
8. Loved Ones First 
Families first with a committed life partner (can add up to 3 years of life expectancy).  Keeping aging parents nearby and investing in their children with time and love.
9. Right Tribe 
The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors.

To read more http://www.bluezones.com/about/