COM Outlook Summer/Fall 2019

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 25 They also match their physical activity with proper rest. Most residents are not employed in a traditional sense, so they sleep as much as their body requires. Additionally, they take regular naps during the day, which has been shown to reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s and cardio- vascular disease. LIFE PURPOSE In terms of Blue Zones, life pur- pose often derives from religion. Even though these regions have dif- ferent cultures, purpose and mean- ing are an essential part of their health and longevity. In Okinawa, for example, they use the term “ikigai,” which is best translated as “your reason for being.” But they do not have a vocabulary term for retirement. Taking care of their grandchildren and transferring knowledge and wisdom to their youth are the reasons why Okinawans keep waking up every morning well into their old age. HEALTHY EATING People in the Blue Zones have instinctively developed a healthy diet, which we can back up with scientific data. The diet is 90 percent plant based and includes whole grains, potatoes, yams, beans, greens, nuts, and tofu. They rarely eat processed meat, but they occasionally include organic goat cheese and fish. Another notable habit is that they usually eat smaller portions from smaller plates, which also prevents them from overeating. A vast amount of data suggests that a low-fat, high-carb, plant-based diet can prevent, and even reverse, many chronic diseases, including cardiovas- cular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain cancers, and depression. In terms of alcohol, even though the newest research suggests there is no safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed, most Blue Zone populations consume a very moderate amount of one glass per day with food. SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEM Fifteen years ago, Americans had three close friends on average. Today, we have one-and-a half. Researchers claim that loneliness kills, and that having fewer than three close friends has an equivalent effect on our bodies as smoking one pack of cigarettes a day. On the other hand, the Blue Zone cultures put a strong emphasis on family and friends by living close to them, committing to a life partner, and investing in their children with time and love. SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION The examples above show us that religious beliefs and values of Blue Zone populations play a funda- mental role in every aspect of people’s lives—from purpose to cuisine. The kind of religion or denomination does not seem to matter, if it is practiced. Most people in Loma Linda commit to spending at least 24 hours every week on their faith, which also includes hiking in nature. Researchers suggest that people who attend faith- based services at least 4 times a month can add up to 14 years to their life. They also theorize that such individuals are happier, healthier, less stressed, and live longer, on average, compared to the general population. Creating New Blue Zones The Blue Zone Vitality Project, funded by the United Health Foundation, is an initiative to produce Blue Zones in U.S. communities. They have already implemented these healthy lifestyle principles in several cities, where they have been shown to reduce health care costs, increase life spans, decrease obesity (especially in children), and improve tobacco cessation. We do not need any more studies to prove the health benefits of these principles; we need to start implementing them into our communities. To find out more about how to get your community involved in the Blue Zone Vitality Project, visit bluezones.com /services/blue-zones-project/ . o Alex Nikolic is a second-year KPCOM student.