Scientists have been studying for decades the places on earth where people live, on average, over 100 years old. These places are called the blue zones and they only exist in a few areas on our planet.
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Here are the places where it is almost unusual not to celebrate your 100th birthday:
- Sardinia, Italy
- The islands of Okinawa, Japan
- Loma Linda, California
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Ikaria, Greece
It turns out that not only these people make it to 100, but they also don’t suffer from heart diseases, dementia or depression. They live beautifully and have a high quality lifestyle their entire life, not just towards the end.
The five similarities researchers have found among these groups of people that live such long lives are:
1. Family
2. No smoking
3. Plant-based diet
4. Constant low level of exercise
5. Social engagement
The scientists have also determined the particularities of each blue zone.
1. The Ikarian Secret
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Compared to Americans, The Ikarians in Greece have ten times the amount of people that live up to see a 100. They have very strong family ties that make them less depressed and stressed. They drink red wine, walk an average of 5 miles a day and laugh whenever possible.
2. The Okinawan Secret
The Japanese from the islands of Okinawa have an interesting philosophy of life, they seek a reason to wake up in the morning. This is called ikigai, a purpose you give to life, managing to get through the day with the support of family and friends.
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The locals spent a lot of time in their gardens, where they get most of their food from. They have mostly a vegetarian diet and obey the rule called hari hachi bu, only eat until you are 80% full. To spice things up, apparently some Okinawans still have an active sex life in their 90s.
3. Nicoya, Costa Rican Secret
The Costa Ricans are very much alike the Japanese. They also have a purpose they give to life, called a plan de vida. Family comes first for them too, they are hard working people who rise with the sun and sleep at least eight hours a night. Also, they feast at breakfast and keep their meals light in the evening.
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4. The Sardinian Secret
Located in the Mediterranean Sea, the island is said to possess a distinct type of air that helps people live to a hundred years old. The folks from Sardinia love milk and cheese, leaving the meat to be the star of the dish just once or twice a week. Lamb, lean pork or oily fish with some vegetables on the side. They drink a glass of wine every day and keep a lively mood.
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5. Loma Linda, Californian Secret
A third of this small town 60 miles of Los Angeles is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, which advocates a lifestyle centered on vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. It also promotes pure water, fresh air and sunlight as their recipe to aging healthy and ask their community to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Take a page from these people’s book! They seem to know what they’re doing. Please, share this!
