The Origins of Blue Zones
Over 25 years ago, Dan Buettner, Blue Zones Founder and National Geographic explorer, set out to answer one question: What are the secrets of the world’s longest-living people?
The Longest-Lived, Happiest People on Earth
In 2004, Dan Buettner teamed with National Geographic, the National Institute on Aging, and the world’s best longevity researchers to identify pockets around the world where people lived measurably better, longer. In these five areas, dubbed “blue zones,” researchers found that people reach age 100 at a rate that is ten times greater than in the United States and with lower rates of chronic disease.
Power 9®
After locating the world’s blue zones areas, Buettner and National Geographic took teams of scientists to each location to pinpoint lifestyle characteristics that might explain the unusual longevity.
They found that though the blue zones communities are located in vastly different parts of the world, their residents share nine specific traits that lead to longer, healthier, happier lives. We call these the Power 9.
Move Naturally
The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons, or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. They walk everywhere, grow gardens, and are active all day.
Blue Zones Project works with communities to reshape surroundings so people move more without thinking about it. By bringing together local leaders, organizations, and policymakers, we help create environments where activity becomes a natural part of everyday life.
- Designing walkable, bike-friendly communities
- Reducing reliance on cars through better planning
- Creating spaces and systems that support daily movement
- Lower rates of obesity and related health costs
- Improved focus, productivity, and overall well-being
- Stronger, more active, and connected communities
Right Outlook
Purpose (Ikigai) is the reason you wake up each day. For both Okinawans and Nicoyans, this sense of purpose translates to “why I wake up in the morning.” A clear sense of purpose can add up to seven years to life expectancy and strengthens overall well-being.
Even in the world’s longest-lived communities, stress still exists—but it is managed through consistent routines that help shed it. Even people in the blue zones experience stress. Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease.
What the world’s longest-lived people have that we don’t are routines to shed that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap, and Sardinians do happy hour.
Eat Wisely
Eating wisely is about making intentional food choices that support long-term health, energy, and well-being. In blue zones, people follow simple habits that help them stay healthy and live longer.
“Hara hachi bu” — the Okinawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80% full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it.
Beans, including fava, black, soy, and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Meat — mostly pork — is eaten on average only five times per month. Serving sizes are 3-4 oz., about the size of a deck of cards.
Except for the Adventists in Loma Linda, centenarians in blue zones regions drink red wine moderately—and typically with friends and/ or family. Although the polyphenols (antioxidants) in wine may contribute to longevity, the benefits of this social hour also come from ending work at a reasonable hour and enjoying a daily social time over food and drink with loved ones.
Connect
The world’s longest-lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors. Okinawans created “moais”– groups of friends that committed to each other for life. The Framingham Study shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and loneliness are contagious.
Successful centenarians in the blue zones keep aging parents and grandparents nearby or in the home (it lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too). They commit to a life partner and invest in their children with time and love.
All but five of the 263 centenarians we interviewed belonged to some faith-based community. Denomination doesn’t seem to matter. Research shows that attending faith-based services four times per month will add 4-14 years of life expectancy.
How the Blue Zones Project Turned Research Into Measurable Community Impact
Blue Zones Project applied the lessons from Blue Zones research to help communities across North America transform their environments.
In 2009, in partnership with AARP and the United Health Foundation, the Life Radius Model was introduced in Albert Lea, Minnesota. After just one year, participants added nearly 2.9 years to their average lifespan, while the community saw improved health outcomes, economic vitality, and significant savings in medical costs and lost productivity. Freeborn County rose 34 places in the Minnesota County Health Rankings.
The community continues to receive grants for its built environment work and is experiencing significant economic impact. Harvard’s Walter Willett described the results as “stunning.” Since then, Blue Zones Project has expanded to over 80 communities across North America, impacting millions of people and producing measurable improvements in health and well-being, including reductions in obesity, smoking, and body mass index.
Explore the Communities Already Leading this Transformation
Across the United States, forward-thinking communities are partnering with Blue Zones Project to transform the places where people live, work, learn, and gather.
Together, we can build environments where healthier choices become natural and lasting.
Bring Blue Zones Project to Your Community
If your city or county is ready to invest in long-term well-being, Blue Zones Project can help guide the journey.