Blue Zones: Embracing the Power 9® for a Vibrant Life
If you are asking yourself what Blue Zones are, you are not alone. The term “blue zones” was first introduced by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Explorer, Fellow, and journalist, during an exploratory project in 2004. After an expedition to Okinawa, Japan in 2000 to investigate the longevity there, he set out to explore other regions of the world with reportedly high longevity. With the support of National Geographic, Buettner, and his team of scientists and demographers traveled the world in search of communities where people not only lived longer, but also enjoyed a high quality of life in their old years. After analyzing demographic data and interviewing numerous centenarians, they identified five regions that stood out for their extraordinary longevity and vitality.
Identifying the Blue Zones
Buettner identified the five original blue zones–the places in the world with the healthiest, longest-living populations including:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California
Each of these five regions has a unique claim to longevity that helps us to learn more about aging well. Ultimately, Dan and the team found that all blue zones areas share nine specific lifestyle habits that they call the Power 9®.
The Power 9®: Common Characteristics Seen in Blue Zones
It’s hard to imagine that regions so far from each other would have this much in common. Residents actually do share lifestyle traits that researchers believe any of us can apply to live healthier, happier and perhaps even longer lives. These traits are known as the Power 9®:
- Move Naturally – Keep moving in daily life and avoid being sedentary.
- Purpose – Have a reason to get up and out of bed every day.
- Down Shift – Find a daily routine that helps you reduce stress.
- Hara Hachi Bu – Known as the 80% rule to stop eating before you feel full.
- Plant Slant – Eat a primarily plant-based diet.
- Wine at 5 – Drink alcohol in moderation regularly.
- Belong – Participate in a faith-based community of some kind.
- Loved Ones First – Put family first in all decision making.
- Right Tribe – Find a circle of friends that share your commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
A Blue Zone Approach in Senior Living
Senior living communities support this approach by keeping residents as active, independent, and socially connected as possible. The lifestyle builds on individual preferences to empower them to live their best life.
1.) Social Connections
Social activity is an essential element in each of the Blue Zone societies. Maintaining a circle of friends committed to supporting one another’s emotional and social needs can improve older adults’ long-term health. Research confirms that communities of older adults with socially active lives have significantly lower disability and cognitive decline rates.
Senior living communities work to prevent social isolation that can result in health issues such as depression and certain diseases. When older adults move into senior living communities, they are encouraged to participate in social activities related to their specific hobbies and interests.
2.) Healthy Diet
Buettner’s research showed that residents of the Blue Zones share dietary habits that keep them healthy well into their 90s. While most are not strict vegetarians, they eat lots of vegetables, keep meat to a minimum, and stay away from processed foods. Many older adults find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet when they live on their own. At a senior living community, they can enjoy well-balanced meals in an environment that offers an opportunity to socialize with friends at each meal.
3.) Lower Stress Levels
Chronic stress causes numerous health problems. Although their methods of dealing with stress may differ, the Blue Zone communities have found effective ways of reducing tension before it reaches toxic levels. Blue Zone benefits of residing in a senior living community can include alleviating stress by freeing residents of the worries of maintaining a house, such as mowing, gutter cleaning, and snow removal. If an appliance were to break or need repairs, the resident wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of replacing or fixing the item, the community handles all of that for them. Because most communities offer healthy meals and transportation, the stress of cooking and driving in heavy traffic is also removed. Residents spend less time worrying about their to-do lists, and more time focused on the hobbies and activities they enjoy.
4.) Physical Activity
People in the Blue Zones have everyday routines that involve moving about. They walk to the market or to visit a neighbor. Even the oldest of them stay engaged by working in their gardens, and some even continue to do some types of manual labor well past the point of typical retirement age in other countries.
Retirement communities offer older adults opportunities to engage in fitness classes that match the residents’ specific fitness needs. These are on-site activities that require no driving and provide another occasion for socializing. Senior wellness programs are available to keep residents active and engaged. Some even have community gardens where residents can benefit from working outdoors. Many communities have walking trails, exercise rooms with a variety of equipment, and outdoor exercise parks.
5.) Independence
Most of the older adults in the Blue Zones maintain their independence with the support of community and family members. And according to studies cited by Harvard Health Publishing, those who keep their independence through community connections tend to live longer and have fewer health issues.
The fear of losing their independence threatens many older adults who do not have the same type of support. A senior living community can provide seniors the support to live independently, knowing that any assistance they might require is nearby.
Adopting the Lessons of Blue Zones
Blue Zones are mind-blowing! It’s incredible how these regions have discovered the secrets to living longer and healthier lives. And you know what’s even more amazing? Senior living communities are already embracing this wisdom! Some like The Ohio Masonic Communities are incorporating the Power 9® lifestyle habits to keep residents active, independent, and socially connected. It’s all about empowering them to live their best lives based on their own preferences.
Wanting more tips on aging healthy and increasing the longevity of life? The Ohio Masonic Communities is your go to resource. With three locations in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina, OH, their senior living communities offer 24/7 care and support for independent living, assisted living, and memory care. If you and your loved one are interested in senior living, schedule a tour at one of the scenic and beautiful communities. Call (877) 881-1623 today to learn more about their great senior living options.