We can learn a thing or two from their long and healthy lives.
To better understand blue zones and their residents, we tapped longevity experts for more information.
What Are Blue Zones and How Were They Discovered?
Photo:George Pachantouris/Getty Images
They gathered demographic data, interviewed residents, and narrowed down their focus to these regions in the world.
Whats the Link Between Blue Zones and Longevity?
In short, researchers investigated and compared diet, lifestyle habits, environment, and social connection to others.
Use these findings as a playbook for healthy (and perhaps longer) living.
They get sufficient sleep, along with naps to lower stress hormones.
They talk about having close connections or tight communities, and invest in care-taking and keeping aging relatives nearby.
Walk More
Blue zone-rs tend towalk every dayas part of their daily routine.
Walking is the best exercise, says Marjorie Jaffe, personal trainer.
Start with five minutes and build your endurance from there.
De-stress Regularly
Stress happens, but it doesnt have to take up 100% of your time.
Jaffe says, you are the gatekeeper for your stress.
If youre finding you have regular stress triggers, its time to change or modify what youre doing.
If thats not possible, at least commit tode-stressingon the regular.
To de-stress, tryjournaling, meditating, or talking with friends or family.
Prioritize Your Meals
Eating three nutritious meals a day is important.
For example, you might enjoy plant-based meals like a salad with chicken or salmon on top.
Cook upblack bean chili,squash spaghetti, or a roasted rootvegetable medleywith tofu.
