Blue Zones
Blue Zones are locations in the world, according to research by Dan Buettner, where people live much longer and healthier than the average population.
His research around the world has discovered four such locations so far: - Island of Sardinia in Italy
- The island of Okinawa in Japan
- Loma Linda in the state of California, United States
- Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica
- the Island of Icaria in Greece
These specific regions have been singled out by Buettner due to them having an out-proportionate number of people who commonly live active lives past the age of 100 years. All of these locations have specific characteristics in addition to having so many centenarians among the population. Of the five blue zones, Sardinia, Italy, has the blue zones especially amougn the population living in the mountain villages of Sardinia, where many men reach the age of 100 years. Of the different locations, in addition to the well-documented longevity among Sardinians, the longevity studies in the siland of Okinawa in Japan are among the most well-known. Less well known blue zone is that of Loma Linda, California, where the longevity phenomena has concentrated on three separate groups of Seventh-day Adventists in the area. The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica and Icaria in Greece are the relative new-comers in the group, with Icaria having been named one of the "blue zones" in April 2009. In fact, the Icarian island proved to be among the most interesting of the zones, having the highest percentage of 90+ year-olds in the planet, with nearly every 1 out of 3 people making it to their 90s. The research into why these locations enjoy such longevity is ongoing, but thus far, the researchers have speculated that among the factors contributing to the long life expectancy in all of these places are close family relationships, avoidance of smoking, a plant-based diet, moderate physical activity, and social engagement throughout the lives. The official website for the Blue Zones research is located at www.bluezones.com, from where you can read more about the research findings and potential implications for personal anti aging regimens.
Blue Zones page to Anti Aging Guide index
|