by Peggy Sue McRae
Journal Contributor
Suddenly it’s September. No matter how old I get hints of autumn bring with them a “back-to-school” feeling. I start to think about getting a new pair of shoes, a new notebook, or finding other ways to put things in order for the coming winter. That’s when I found an email from Blue Zones author Dan Buettner in my inbox suggesting I sign up for the Blue Zones 7-day Longevity Reset. I thought it sounded like a good idea. For $11 I was promised a lifetime of access to the Reset and a collection of Blue Zone recipes. Sign me up!
If you are not familiar with the Blue Zones the concept is based on a demographic study conducted by Buettner and team for National Geographic. The study mapped human lifespans worldwide identifying places where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Through that process five regions stood out for the remarkable longevity and vitality of their inhabitants, Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardina, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. These communities though vastly different hold certain values and traditions in common that foster hearty seniors.
They all eat beans, most of them drink wine, many share housing with an extended family. None are particularly wealthy. Whether vegetarian or not they all eat a plant-based diet including beans as a cornerstone staple. They remain physically active by maintaining simple natural activities like gardening and walking. They take naps. They have a purpose that keeps them engaged which may be as simple as spending time with grandchildren, cooking special meals with friends, or going to church. Out of these findings the 7-Day Longevity Reset was created providing 7 daily guidelines to gently nudge us toward a healthier more vital life.
It was easy to stock up on great produce from our local Food Hub. The Reset encouraged us to explore the unfamiliar. For me this was leeks. Encouraged to try something new for breakfast I even had leeks and sweet potatoes for a morning meal. Being encouraged to eliminate sugary drinks is a guideline I take by degrees. I’m fine without sugar based Cola but I do like a little bit of sweetness in my tea. I decided to use raw honey like the centenarians of Nicoya, Costa Rica. The weeklongexercise did help me realign myself to living with greater intention and my fridge is now well stocked with autumnal bounty.
In a new limited series now on Netflix, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, Buettner revisits some of the original Blue Zone communities. The world is changing and Buettner is now focused on how we can design environments that encourage longevity and vitality.
Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/San Juan Island Food Hub: https://sjifh.com/
