Search
Close this search box.

Lessons from Blue Zones for Longevity

Last Updated on 8 March 2024 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic

Living to a wise old age is an aspiration many people have and in some parts of the world, it appears to be much easier to accomplish. Blue Zones are areas of the world where people more commonly live to become centenarians (a person who lives to 100 years old or more). In these areas dubbed Blue Zones, people reach age 100 at 10 times greater rates than in the United States. (1) Despite vast cultural differences between these societies, Loma Linda (California, USA); Nicoya (Costa Rica); Sardinia (Italy); Ikaria (Greece); and Okinawa, (Japan) (1) all appear to have a way of life that is synonymous with ageing well.

Let’s take a look at the diet and lifestyle factors that are believed to influence the health, wellbeing and longevity of these populations and how to take a leaf out of their book to help achieve living a more natural life.

The Power 9

There are nine characteristics common to all Blue Zone regions that can be used to make healthy lifestyle changes. Importantly, these elements encompass all aspects of wellbeing including physical, mental, social and emotional health and spiritual wellbeing. They include a daily routine of low-intensity physical activity, finding purpose, stress reduction techniques, eating less, eating predominantly plant-based and moderating meat intake, drinking wine, having a sense of belonging, putting family first and having good relationships with friends. (2)

Most of these characteristics may seem quite natural and relatable to aspire to in our own daily life and making small changes now can have a big impact. Believe it or not, by optimising your lifestyle, you may gain back an extra decade of good quality of life. In fact, by adopting any one of these aspects of the Power 9, you can immediately improve your life expectancy at any age. (2)  That’s good news considering how relatively easy these characteristics are to achieve. After all, drinking wine (and coffee) with friends comes naturally to many of us and are beverages many people would like to justify consuming!

Eat and drink your beans.

Legumes and coffee are on the centenarian menu. A heavily plant-based diet featured in each Blue Zone community, with beans, including fava, black, soy, and lentils, was found to be the cornerstone of most centenarian diets.(1) In the community of Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, their vegetarian diet is thought to be the most likely cause of their extraordinary longevity. (3) Perhaps the most famous of ‘beans’ (but actually classed as a fruit), coffee is one of the most popular and widely consumed beverages worldwide. Daily coffee consumption was found to be abundant among more than 85% of the Nicoyans and more than 75% of the Sardinians observed in one study. With a complex mixture of more than 800 volatile compounds, research suggests that coffee consumption may help to prevent several chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and liver disease. (4)

A guilt-free Sunday roast.

Further comparative studies of Sardinian and Nicoyan elders showed that like coffee, potato consumption was high in both populations and that in both groups the most consumed type of meat was pork, in moderate quantities. (4) While potatoes and pork may seem like unusual contenders for longevity, there is some perceived logic in relation to why these particular foods might be healthier than commonly perceived. Since potatoes are mostly boiled and consumed with fats this reduces their glycemic index, while meat may preserve the elderly from excessive loss of muscle mass, indirectly promoting longevity. (4)

Ageing gracefully.

Testament to both a healthy diet and lifestyle, Blue Zone centenarians are shining examples of how to live well. The take-home message is simplicity. Walk when and where you can as often as you can, make time for friends and family on a regular basis, develop your own daily ritual to help to reduce stress – whether it be taking a nap, listening to music or meditation practice and nurture your sense of purpose. The age-old saying respect your elders rings true and when it comes to leading by example, the path has been paved.


Want to learn more? These Blogs may also interest you. Click HERE or HERE or HERE 

Nurturing Wellness, Empowering You!

Get in Touch With Us

Check out our Socials!

Brisbane Livewell Clinic. Dietician Brisbane

About Brisbane Livewell Clinic

  • Brisbane’s most-established Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath & Wellness Clinic
  • Clinics located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill
  • Multiple skilled and experienced practitioners

Buy a Gift Voucher

Visit our Wavell Heights Clinic

Visit our Cannon Hill Clinic

Your Feedback Matters

We value your feedback. Share your thoughts and questions at info@brisbanelivewellclinic.com.au.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making any health decisions. Our therapies complement, not replace, medical treatment; discuss any proposed treatment or therapy with your GP before commencing. Please read our complete Disclaimer for more information.

Brisbane's Top Health, Natural Therapies, Naturopath and Wellness Centre

Brisbane Livewell Clinic, located in Wavell Heights and Cannon Hill, is Brisbane’s top health, natural therapies, and wellness clinic. Founded in 1979, it is the longest-running wellness centre in Brisbane.

Our Practitioners

Our Clinics are home to a team of experienced Allied Health and Natural Therapy practitioners. Each practitioner is highly skilled, qualified, and a member of their respective professional associations. They bring expertise and compassion to their work, believing everyone deserves a life free of pain, anxiety, and ill health.

Our Approach

We blend traditional medicine with the latest healthcare advancements to create personalised and comprehensive treatment plans. Our holistic and integrative approach addresses root causes rather than just symptoms, ensuring you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Our Services

Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, improving dietary habits, needing physical rehabilitation, or searching for mental and emotional support, we offer a wide range of services:

Locations We Service

At Brisbane Livewell Clinic, we serve the following locations and are a part of the local community in:

About the Author

This article is a collaborative effort crafted with input from Brisbane Livewell Clinic practitioners. Our team, leaders in their fields, ensures the information is accurate, up-to-date, and reflects our commitment to a holistic and evidence-based approach to health and wellness.

Content Policy

Our content is produced following strict editorial guidelines for accuracy, relevance, and integrity. Each article undergoes a comprehensive review process, including fact-checking and verification against reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals and government publications.

Commitment to Updated Information

We regularly revisit our articles to ensure they reflect the latest developments in the field.