There are five regions of the world where people live significantly longer than the average human lifespan. These areas are known as the "Blue Zone", and they are: Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece, and Linda in Rome, California, USA.
Dan Buettner, a National Geographic researcher and best-selling author, pioneered the concept of the "blue zone." Not only that, he argues, is the most unusual concentration of longevity people in Greece, where people are one-fifth more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than the global average. Why do the elderly here live long and healthy?
After five years of research, Buettner and his team discovered eight specific habits of people on the island of Icaria.
1. Conduct nature activities throughout the day
In Ikaria, even if people are in their eighties, they still live a moderately intensive physical life, and they rarely habitually sit or set aside time for exercise, because for them, work and socialization means exercising all day.
2. Eat a plant-based diet
The diet of the inhabitants of Ikaria consists mainly of seasonal vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. According to statistics, 95% to 100% of the food they consume is plant-based.
3. Get up with a purpose
When you wake up, you know exactly what you're going to do today. This is the main reason why these residents remain positive in their old age
4. Always put your family and loved ones first
The culture of Icaria is to put family first. Old people live with their children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Families get together every day to eat.
5. Drink a glass of red wine every day
Of the five "blue zones," four drink in moderation. Red wine contains natural antioxidants, polyphenols and anthocyanins and is the most popular drink in Greece.
6. 80% full will no longer eat
The inhabitants of Ikaria are very careful about eating and drinking, and they never overeat, consuming three-fifths of the world average on a daily basis.
7. Both believe in a religion or a belief
During Butterner's study of these long-lived elderly people, he interviewed 263 centenarians from five longevity belts, and only three of the 263 people did not believe in any religion.
8. Take the time to decompress
A low-stress lifestyle is common in all longevity areas. Chronic stress is almost uncommon among residents.