Have you heard about ‘blue’ zones?
In certain parts of the world there are blue zones, geographic locations where the population has lower rates of chronic diseases and has a longer life expectancy.
In fact, blue zones exist in Italy, Japan, Greece, Costa Rica and even right here in the United States! (Loma Linda, CA)
This has been well documented by the National Institutes of Health and other reputable health organizations in recent decades.
So why are people in these blue zones living to or past 100 years old in relatively terrific health?
Beyond the obvious like improved nutrition and physical activity, it has been observed that the environment itself might be the most important factor.
It has been assessed that longevity occurs because the people were in the right environment - which is an environment that fosters a lifestyle of longevity.
To be more specific, because the environment is a certain way, it leads people to live a healthier lifestyle.
This healthier lifestyle is made up of something called the ‘Power 9 Principles’ which span across 4 main themes or categories…
Activity, Outlook, Diet and Connections
For ‘Activity’ it all comes down to people moving more naturally. It’s not necessarily exercise that’s so vital here but more about daily lifestyle activities like gardening, walking, using hand-operated tools, making their own food and moving around every 20 minutes. Movement is a part of their daily lives.
For ‘Outlook’ it came down to Down Shift and Purpose.
Stress is a part of the human condition. People in blue zones still have stress like everyone else but their coping mechanisms are different. People here have built in daily rituals that reduce stress and reverse inflammation associated with stress. Things like daily prayer, napping, happy hour and ancestral veneration (honoring deceased family members regularly).
And their sense of Purpose remains high as they age and they are able to articulate their sense of purpose. This sense of purpose is communicated among the population. Feeling like a necessary part of your community matters, especially as we get on in years.
For ‘Diet’ there were 3 elements: Wine at 5, Plant Slant and the 80 Percent Rule.
The Wine at 5 principle is what you’re thinking… These blue zone folks enjoy a few glasses of wine with their friends at happy hour regularly. In my personal opinion, I feel this has more to do with social connectivity than anything else!
Plant Slant is all about the plant based diet. These healthier 100 year olds are eating a plant based diet which includes lots of beans. They also eat lots of carbohydrates but not from breads leavened with yeast. They eat mostly whole grains and sourdough breads. The Farm to Table philosophy.
And then you have the 80 Percent Rule.
It is so simple and we Americans generally are LOUSY at this one. Eat until you are 80% full or satiated. Do not eat until you’re stuffed or so full you can hardly move. If you can control your quantities at every meal and follow the 80 Percent Rule, you will cut out a lot of unnecessary calories in your diet.
Lastly is the ‘Connections’ category which also includes 3 elements: Loved Ones First, Belong and Right Tribe.
Regarding Loved Ones First, centenarians make family a priority. Spouses and children are central to them and children stay close by to ensure a close relationship.
As far as the Belong principle, people in blue zones tend to belong to a faith-based community. These folks attending faith based services live 4-14 years longer than their counterparts.
Lastly, the Right Tribe is a great reminder of the quality of the company we keep. Health behaviors are absolutely contagious. Hang out with smokers, excessive drinkers, overeaters and lonely or bitter people and you will become that too. Be very careful when you pick your ‘tribe’ and be sure to surround yourself with the right people.
Ultimately, these 9 principles come down to three central themes…
- We need socialization as we age,
- We must remain active as we age,
- We must watch what we’re consuming, whether that’s food, drink or bad habits.
While using these ‘blue zone’ guidelines for life may be possible anywhere in the world, certainly the right environment is essential to maximizing your results.
Find your blue zone today!
🧠 Want to Stay Sharp, Steady, and Strong as You Age?
In my TEDx talk, I shared how movement is the #1 medicine for the brain — and how a simple daily ritual can help restore your balance, coordination, and confidence at any age.
If you’re already focused on long-term brain health, I created something that goes hand-in-hand with what Blue Zones teach about healthy aging.
It’s called the Super Brain Accelerator, and it’s a complete 3-step system designed to:
- ✅ Reactivate your balance and stability nerves
- ✅ Strengthen your brain-body connection through guided movement
- ✅ Protect and soothe your nerves from the inside out
Each step builds on the last to help you think clearer, move steadier, and feel younger — all from home, in just minutes a day.