While traveling on Monday, I picked up a newspaper with an article about the book, The Blue Zone: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest. The author of the book got a grant from National Geographic to study the people of Ikaria, Greece. They live longer than any other place in Europe and the United States. They also have less cancer, heart disease, depression, and dementia. In addition to following a Mediterranean diet, they follow nine other life lessons.
The Nine Lessons
1. Move naturally. Don't do marathons or pump iron. Work around the house, garden, walk, cycle, walk when talking on the phone.
2. Know your purpose. Have a reason for waking up in the morning.
3. Kick back. Find ways to shed stress, whether its praying, napping, or going to happy hour.
4. Eat less. Stop eating when you are 80% full.
5. Eat less meat. Beans are a cornerstone of most centenarians' diets.
6. Drink in moderation.
7. Have faith. Attend faith based services once a week.
8. Power of love. Put families first, including committing to a partner and keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby.
9. Stay social. Build a social network that supports healthy behaviors.
The Nine Lessons
1. Move naturally. Don't do marathons or pump iron. Work around the house, garden, walk, cycle, walk when talking on the phone.
2. Know your purpose. Have a reason for waking up in the morning.
3. Kick back. Find ways to shed stress, whether its praying, napping, or going to happy hour.
4. Eat less. Stop eating when you are 80% full.
5. Eat less meat. Beans are a cornerstone of most centenarians' diets.
6. Drink in moderation.
7. Have faith. Attend faith based services once a week.
8. Power of love. Put families first, including committing to a partner and keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby.
9. Stay social. Build a social network that supports healthy behaviors.
