Beyond The Gates Beyond the Gates | Page 16

Mind, Body & Soul BLUE ZONES PROJECT HAS TIPS FOR Longer, Healthier Lives BY ROBIN F. DEMATTIA W hat if there was a formula that could help you live a longer, better life? That’s the mission of Blue Zones Project South- west Florida, sponsored by the NCH Healthcare System. In 2004, Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic to identify pockets around the world where people are living measurably longer. In these “Blue Zones,” they found that people reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States. The five Blue Zones locations were: Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. The research showed that there were nine commonalities among the residents of these Blue Zones that helped them to live longer, better lives. These are called the Power 9: • Move naturally – Move more throughout your day • Purpose – Wake up with a purpose each day and add up to 7 years to your life • Down Shift – Reverse disease through stress-relieving activities • 80% Rule – Eat mindfully and stop when 80 percent full • Family First – Spending time with family and friends can add up to 6 years to your life • Plant Slant – Put more fruits and vegetables on your plate • Wine@Five – Enjoy a glass of wine with friends daily • Belong – Regularly attending faith-based services can add 14 years to your life • Right Tribe – Surround yourself with people who support you and healthy behaviors 14 November 2016 - March 2017