Mental Health Blue Zones
Healthy habits for a healthier and longer life
We’ve all heard about the famous Blue Zones, but where
are they and what is their secret to longevity?
National Geographic journalist, Dan Buettner joined fellow team members to find the top places in the world with the highest life expectancy or concentration of centurions (those aged 100 years or more) to determine if there were any commonalties.
- Barbagia region of Sardinia – Mountainous area of Sardinia with the world’s highest concentration of male centenarians.
- Ikaria, Greece – Aegean Island with one of the world’s lowest rates of middle age mortality and the lowest rates of dementia.
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – World’s lowest rates of middle age mortality, second highest concentration of male centenarians.
- Loma Linda, California- Seventh Day Adventists – They live 10 years longer than their North American counterparts.
- Okinawa, Japan – Females over 70 are the longest-lived population in the world.
What healthy habits do they share?
- Natural Movement- exercise through everyday activities like walking, biking and gardening
- A sense of purpose
- Destressing everyday- have some downtime daily
- 80% rule- stop eating when your stomach is 80% full
- Plant slant- a diet rich in beans such as fava, black, soy and lentils
- Wine at 5- moderately and daily – have 1 to 2 glasses a day with friends
- Belong- belonging to a faith-based community
- Loved ones first- living with parents/grandparents or having them nearby
- Right tribe- have a group of friends that share your healthy habits
It’s clear that physical and mental wellbeing go hand in hand. Natural, daily movement such as walking, biking or gardening is part of daily living in the blue zones and studies show that these low to moderate intensity activities release feel-good endorphins, lower stress levels and improve mood. That’s where Urban and Activator poles can help. Walking is one of the safest, easiest and most accessible form of natural exercise and adding a pair of evidence-based Urban or Activator poles provides both aerobic and strength training. It’s one activity that encompasses 3 healthy habits of the blue zones: getting outdoors for a walk (natural movement), clearing your head (destressing) with friends or family (right tribe). We’re ready to take the first step on the road to a happy and healthier you. Let’s start today!
Interested in learning more about the blue zones and getting inspired?