There’s no denying that everyone ages. We all experience aging differently though. Many of us want to do everything we can to stop or slow down the aging process. While we can’t stop ourselves from aging, there are things we can do to have a better aging experience. With things like blue zones and senior living, aging well is possible.
What are Blue Zones?
One of the best examples of aging well is the blue zones. Researchers have found communities throughout the world where people live better and live longer. These communities have formed naturally for centuries. Now coined blue zones, there are key elements that are believed to contribute to these communities aging well.
Elements of Blue Zones
Since the early 2000s, researchers have identified 9 elements in blue zone communities that are key to aging well. These are broken down into 4 categories and are things that can be replicated anywhere. The 4 categories that define blue zones are having the right outlook, connecting with others, eating wisely, and moving. We can all try to implement elements of the blue zones to age better.
Right Outlook
The way we think can have a big impact on how we live and aging well. Having the right outlook is about having a sense of purpose and managing stress. With a strong sense of purpose, you have a reason to get up every day and feel like you’re accomplishing something and contributing. High levels of stress can contribute to many health problems, so managing stress is key to aging well.
Connecting with Others
We’re social beings and we can’t go through life alone. Connection is also key to aging well. For the blue zones, connection is about having a sense of belonging, putting loved ones first, and surrounding yourself with the right tribe. You can think of it as being part of a strong community and can depend on each other.
Eating Wisely
As the saying goes, we are what we eat. Eating well is a major part of aging well. And eating well isn’t just counting calories. In the blue zones, eating well typically involves eating until you feel 80% full instead of overindulging, eating a heavily plant based diet, and drinking wine in moderation.
Moving
It isn’t unique to blue zones that movement is good for us. But, the blue zones show that it is important for aging well. Movement doesn’t have to be going to the gym and doing strenuous activity several times a week. Just movement in general is good for us. Things like walking more, taking the stairs, and spending time doing things like gardening are all good for aging better.
Where Blue Zones Are Located
Natural blue zones have been identified in 5 places across the world. These are the communities known for people who have exceptional longevity, living long lives well. In fact, blue zone residents can frequently live into their 100s. The blue zone communities are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
What is the role of Blue Zones in aging well?
Living a long life is one factor of blue zones. It isn’t the only important factor, though. It’s about living long and living well.
Healthspan
As a society, we talk about lifespan – the length of time between birth and death. Arguably more important though is healthspan. While it isn’t discussed as often, healthspan focuses on the years of your life with good health.
Longevity
By some definitions, longevity is an “extension of lifespan or healthspan.” It’s the combination of living long and living well. In the blue zones, longevity is the norm – not the exception. That’s because people who call a blue zone home live well, longer.
Living Well and Aging Well
Part of life is aging and part of living well is aging well. As we strive to live well, we should consider what we can do to age well. There are many lessons that can be borrowed from the blue zones about how to age well through movement, food, and community.
Why do Blue Zones matter for seniors?
Blue zones might be one of the best kept secrets to aging well. The same core elements of blue zones that contribute to aging well are good for seniors and it’s never too late to start implementing them. By focusing on things like food, movement, and connection, seniors can live well and age well at any age.
Aging Well with Chronic Health Conditions
Often, aging comes with health challenges and chronic conditions. At times, it can feel like your health makes aging well hard. But, prioritizing elements of the blue zones can help manage chronic health conditions. The blue zones show lower rates of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. Better health is a key to living well and aging well.
Blue Zone Living Close to Home
You don’t have to move halfway across the world to experience the benefits of the blue zones. With a little bit of effort, you can bring elements of the blue zones to you. Focus on the main elements of the blue zones, movement, food, connection, and mindset. Ultimately, you should try to find small changes you can make every day to prioritize these so you can age well.
Blue Zones and Senior Living
Just like you can live the blue zones at home, you can live the blue zones in senior living. In many ways, it’s even easier to incorporate blue zone elements in senior living than elsewhere. Senior living naturally prioritizes similar elements of the blue zones. Things like eating well, moving more, and connecting with others are hallmarks of senior living. It’s what makes senior living special and part of how communities support seniors living well and aging well.
If you want to learn more about how you can enjoy the benefits of the blue zones and age well at The Ohio Masonic Communities, we’d love to hear from you. Give us a call at 1 (877) 881-1623 or contact us here. We have three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.