21 Day Wellbeing Challenge, Day #15. Longevity – take at least one item from the list and integrate in your daily routine.

Longevity refers to the length of a person’s life or the ability to live a long and healthy life.

Have you ever wondered what the secret is to living a long and healthy life?

Blue Zones are regions in the world where people live longer and healthier lives than the average population. These regions have been identified through research conducted by Dan Buettner and his team, who have identified five Blue Zones around the world:

• Okinawa, Japan
• Sardinia, Italy
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Ikaria, Greece
• Loma Linda, California (a community of Seventh-Day Adventists)

One of the common factors among the people living in these Blue Zones is their diet. The diet of people in Blue Zones is primarily plant-based, with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods. They typically consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, while limiting their intake of meat and dairy.

In addition to a healthy diet, other factors that contribute to longevity in Blue Zones include regular physical activity, a sense of purpose, strong social connections, and a sense of belonging to a community. People in Blue Zones often have a strong sense of community and social support, which has been shown to be a key factor in their longevity.

Overall, the lifestyles of people in Blue Zones emphasize a holistic approach to health, focusing on not just diet and exercise, but also social connections, mental health, and a sense of purpose.

Start with integrating one of the habits below in order to have a longer and happier life

The below characteristics that have been identified as being common to the people living in the Blue Zones. These habits were identified through research team, who studied the lifestyle habits of people in these regions:

• Move naturally: Be active without having to think about it. People live in environments that encourage physical activity, such as walking, gardening, or doing household chores.
• Purpose: Have a sense of purpose in life. People have a reason to wake up in the morning, which gives them a sense of direction and motivation.
• Downshift: Have ways to manage stress, such as taking naps, having happy hour with friends, or having a regular time each day for quiet reflection.
• 80% rule: Stop eating when they are about 80% full. This helps them avoid overeating and obesity.
• Plant slant: Eat a mostly plant-based diet, with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Wine at 5: People in some Blue Zones, such as Sardinia, Italy, and Ikaria, Greece, drink wine in moderation with friends and/or food.
• Belong: Have strong social connections and a sense of belonging to a community.
• Family first: Put their families first and maintain close relationships with their family members.
• Community: Be active in their communities and have a sense of purpose and belonging. People in Blue Zones often belong to faith-based or other social groups, which provides them with a support system and a sense of shared values.

In conclusion, the pursuit of longevity and a healthier life is not merely a dream reserved for a fortunate few but rather an attainable goal accessible to all. The Blue Zones offer us valuable insights into the lifestyles and habits of those who have unlocked the secrets to living longer and happier lives.

By incorporating even just one of these habits into our daily routines, we can set ourselves on a path towards improved well-being and increased life expectancy.

Follow 21 Day Wellbeing schedule – tasks for each day described