There are places in the world where people live healthy, happy lives well into their 90′s and 100′s.  Dubbed “Blue Zones” by National Geographic researcher Dan Buettner, these longevity hotspots share nine traits—Power 9—responsible for their remarkable results.

1. Move Naturally

We can get more physical activity naturally if we live in walkable communities, de-convenience our homes and grow gardens.

2.  Know your Purpose

People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years longer than those who don’t.

3. Down Shift

To reverse inflammation related to every major age-related disease, find time each day to meditate, nap, pray or enjoy a happy hour.

4. 80% Rule

It takes your stomach 20 minutes to tell your brain it is full causing most people to accidentally overeat; so stop when you feel 80% full.

5. Plant Slant

Eat mostly a plant-based diet that is heavy on beans, nuts, and green plants. This is consistent with the USDA’s MyPlate recommendations to make fruits, vegetables and grains the majority of your intake.

6. Wine at 5

If you have a healthy relationship to alcohol, one to two glasses of wine daily could help add years to your life, especially when consumed with a healthy diet.

7. Family First

Living in a thriving family is worth a half a dozen extra years of life expectancy.   Invest time in your kids, nurture a monogamous relationship and keep your aging parents nearby.

8. Belong

Recommit, reconnect or explore a new faith-based community. No matter which faith, studies found that people who show up to their faith community four times a month live an extra 4-14 years.

9. Right Tribe

Your friends have a long-term impact on your well-being.  Expanding your social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life.

Print this list and refer to it daily to help you adopt behaviors that will improve your well-being and extend your longevity.

©Copyright 2009 by Blue Zones, LLC.  All rights reserved.