Imagine a place where it is common for citizens to live to the age of one hundred. This is not a dream, but in the five Blue Zones throughout the world, this is reality. Blue Zones are parts of the world that have an increased longevity in citizens’ lives. The term was coined by National Geographic Explorer, Dan Buettner in 2004. He discovered that in certain parts of the world, “Blue Zones,” there was an increased life span and better health in the people living in those areas. Currently, there are five reported Blue Zones: Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; and Okinawa, Japan. These five Blue Zones share nine commonalities among themselves: moving naturally, finding purpose, pursuing stress relief, stopping eating when 80% full, eating a multitude of plants, drinking with company at five pm, being in social circles, joining in religious denominations, and putting loved ones first. Three commonalities that contribute to the health and longevity of Blue Zone citizens are their diets, exercise regimes, and self-care. 

First, a healthy, nutritious diet greatly affects those in these Blue Zones. In Ikaria, Greece they follow a Mediterranean diet, fueled by greens, vegetables, fish, olive oil, whole grains, and beans. In Sardinia, Italy their diet consists mainly of plant-based foods with whole grains taking up 47% of the diet. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, they eat low-calorie, light dinners, made up of mainly whole grains with fortified maize and beans contributing to their longevity. In Loma Linda, California, many follow a vegetarian diet or eat many fruits and vegetables. This diet helps fight heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In Okinawa, Japan, many people follow a plant-based diet and mainly consume tofu and or soy, stir-fry vegetables, goya which is a bitter melon, and sweet potatoes. These foods are all high in nutrients and low in calories. Ultimately citizens in the Blue Zones all follow healthy, nutritious diets. 

Next, exercise is an important factor in each of the Blue Zones. Ikarians traditionally garden and walk from house to house to visit neighbors. Many Sardinians are shepherds and walk at least five miles per day. Nicoyans keep up with many chores and duties, taking joy in physical work and responsibilities. In Loma Linda, California, citizens perform regular low-intensity exercises, such as walking in nature. Okinawans also often get their exercise from walking. They also frequently garden, stand, and sit multiple times throughout the day since they do not have a lot of furniture in their houses. Blue Zone citizens regularly exercise and keep moving. 

Lastly, in the Blue Zones, each location has different ways of improving their mental well-being. Ikarians take mid-afternoon naps, which have been shown to lower heart disease. Sardinians are known for their hilarious sense of humor and joking with one another which is said to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nicoyans follow the “plan de vida” or “reason to live” – they find a strong sense of purpose which leads them to feeling needed. The people of Loma Linda are Adventists, a Christian denomination, and keep the Sabbath, a religious day of observance held on Sunday. This helps them de-stress by focusing on God, nature, and family. Okinawans love to garden, and these medicinal plants and their properties help them in the long run. Citizens in the Blue Zones prioritize their metal health by practicing self-care. 

The Blue Zones all share many habits that can contribute to the longevity and healthy lives of the people living there. A healthy diet impacts these citizens along with daily exercise and self-care. They create their own healthy, nutritious meals, and some harvest the food they grow. Exercise is essential, including repetitive movements like walking, standing, and sitting. All are regular activities in the Blue Zones. Self-care is practiced in many forms through hobbies and purpose in life. Blue Zone habits can provide ways to live a long, healthy, and satisfactory life. If you take their habits as tips and apply them to your daily life, you can improve your health and general well-being.