Not everyone wants to live longer, especially if it means simply suffering for longer. I don't know too many people however, who don't want to enjoy more years of wellness. One of the best ways to gain greater understanding of how we might achieve greater longevity and wellness is to take lessons from people who have lived the longest.

In 2015 a National Geographic expedition lead by Dan Buettner went to uncover the secret to living longer.

His team explored 5 regions of the world where people consistently lived to over 100 years of age.

• Sardinia, Italy
• Ikaria, Greece
• Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

• Loma Linda, California
• Okinawa, Japan

They were astounded by their findings and Dan published a book - Blue Zones: Lessons from the World’s Longest Lived.

He discovered 9 common denominators amongst people in these regions. One of the biggest commonalities was being connected  to people and community. He coined these 9 common denominators: Power 9©.. 

Here are the 9 Factors to living longer the he uncovered in his research:

1. Move Naturally - most who lived to over 100 weren't gym junkies or marathon runners. They participated in activities that kept them up and moving like gardening and walking.
   
   
2. Purpose - According to Buettner having purpose or meaning in your life will increase your life expectancy by 7 years.
   
   
3. Stress Management - Stress is a known factor associated with a number of age related conditions. Sardinian's have happy hour, People of Loma Linda pray, Okinawans take moments to remember their ancestors. Ikarians take regular naps! What will you choose?
   
   
4. 80% Rule - Stop eating when your 80% full! 'Hara hachi bu' is a 2500 year old Confucian teaching that the Okinawans live by. It translates to English as 'Eat until you are 9 parts full.' I like to say 'Eat until you are no longer hungry' or 'Stop eating before you are full!'
   
   
5. Plant Based Diet - People living in the longest living areas generally consume a diet of legumes and plant based products, whilst meat is consumed infrequently and in moderate amounts.
   
   
6. Moderate Alcohol - Surprisingly there was a moderate consumption of alcohol amongst most of these communities. 1 -2 glasses / day preferably with friends and family.
   
   
7. Community - The research showed that of the centenarians interviewed 258 out of 263 all attended regular faith-based services. The religion did not matter. Being connected to community did. 
   
   
8. Relationships - Family relationships played a significant role in all centenarian's lives. 
   
   
9. Social Circles - All centenarians had strong social circles that participated in healthy activities. In Okinawa people are connected to a lifelong circle of about 5 friends that support each other well into old age. This group is called a 'moia.' 

Dan Buettner's research has influenced policy makers, local businesses, schools and communities across the world. 

He has help to shift their focus to creating environmental changes based on his work. These changes have helped to reduce obesity, increase longevity and help people to make healthier life choices. These life choices focus on long term health rather than short term change.

For more information check out Dan Beuttner's Website and his Book.

www.bluezones.com​
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