What's the Secret to Living to Over 100?

There is a popular Netflix documentary that many Americans are currently watching called "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" that follows author Dan Buettner around the world as he visits five communities in which members tend to have "extraordinarily long and vibrant lives." 




Five Special Blue Zone Communities (Including One in California)

  • Okinawa, Japan: Okinawa is known for having one of the highest rates of centenarians (people over 100 years old) in the world. While exact numbers fluctuate, Okinawa has been reported to have about 68 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants, which is significantly higher than most other parts of the world.

  • Sardinia, Italy: The region of Sardinia, particularly the mountainous Barbagia area, has a remarkably high number of male centenarians. The ratio of centenarians in Sardinia is among the highest in the world, but specific numbers can vary.

  • Nicoya, Costa Rica: Nicoya is known for its high number of centenarians as well. Specific statistics on the population of centenarians might not be widely reported, but the region is recognized for its residents' longevity.

  • Icaria, Greece: This Greek island has one of the world's highest rates of longevity. The population of Icaria is relatively small, but the proportion of people living into their 90s and 100s is significantly above average.

  • Loma Linda, California, USA: Loma Linda is unique as it's a small city in the United States known for a high concentration of Seventh-day Adventists. This community tends to live 7-10 years longer than the average American. Exact numbers for centenarians might not be readily available, but the community is notable for its longevity.

These regions are characterized not just by the number of centenarians, but also by lower rates of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The longevity of these populations is often attributed to their lifestyle, diet, physical activity, social engagement, and other factors further described below.


What Blue Zones Have in Common - Habits You Can Practice

  1. Plant-Based Diet: The diet in Blue Zones is heavily plant-based, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes. Meat is eaten sparingly, often only a few times per month.

  2. Moderate Caloric Intake: People in Blue Zones tend to eat smaller portions and stop eating when they are about 80% full.

  3. Regular Physical Activity: Daily physical activity is a part of life in these regions, often through walking, gardening, or other forms of light exercise.

  4. Strong Social Networks: Social engagement is a key part of life in Blue Zones. People maintain close ties with their family, friends, and community.

  5. Low Stress and Slow Pace of Life: Stress reduction techniques, such as napping and spending time in nature, are common. The pace of life is slower and more relaxed.

  6. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine, is common in most Blue Zones (except for Loma Linda, which is a Seventh-day Adventist community where alcohol is often avoided).

  7. Sense of Purpose: Residents often have a strong sense of purpose or a reason to get up in the morning, known as "Ikigai" in Okinawa and "Plan de Vida" in Nicoya.

  8. Spirituality or Religion: Most individuals in Blue Zones participate in spiritual or religious communities, which is believed to influence their longevity positively.

  9. Engagement in Family Life: Strong family bonds and respect for elders are common. Older family members often live near or with their family, providing them with support and a sense of purpose.

  10. Community Engagement: Being part of a community, often with shared values or lifestyle, provides social support and a sense of belonging.


Financial Wellness + Health Wellness: Two Sides of the Same Retirement Coin

There is no point in saving for retirement, if you're not going to live long enough to enjoy it. The good news is that today's retirees are healthier than ever, living longer and longer. 

There are significant financial benefits to being healthier as medical bills get smaller and more of your savings are available to enjoy your favorite pastimes during retirement. As per Lincoln Financial: "...those in their 50s and early 60s are healthier and more active than any generation prior—they will likely live longer, healthier lives—and retirement will not slow them down."