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Five things I learnt watching Netflix’s Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones
It’s well known that eating well and moving your body are essential ways to invest in your health. But what if there are other—more surprising—secrets to longevity?
That’s the idea of the life-affirming Netflix documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, which explores the habits of people living in regions with the highest concentrations of centenarians.
Author Dan Buettner and researcher Dr Gianni Pes travelled to Japan, Greece, Sardinia, Ikaria, Costa Rica and Singapore to see what people in these so-called “Blue Zones” have in common.
Here are my five biggest takeaways from rewatching the series.
1. Sitting on the floor can do wonders for your mobility
In Okinawa, Japan, most people seem to spend half their day on the floor—sitting, eating on low tables and relaxing—and constantly getting up and down throughout the day. This natural movement, as well as regular gardening, helps to keep them mobile and healthy.
Buettner recommends skipping the elevator and taking the stairs to live more like the Okinawans.
2. Hills make you stronger
It’s not hard to imagine that living on top of a steep hill and walking up and down daily will give you strong legs. In Sardinia, Italy, the locals credited their young metabolic age and overall good health to their daily incline walks.
Many also live in homes with three or four stories, so they’re climbing dozens of flights a day. If, like me, you don’t live near hills, try incline walking on a treadmill to reap similar benefits for your strength, endurance and cardiovascular health.
3. Connection is vital
In Ikaria, Greece, one 96-year-old man credits his happiness and longevity to finding love later in life. Buettner says “the power of happy, committed partnerships may seem obvious, but we can’t underestimate how this type of connection can lead to a longer, more fulfilled life.”
Maintaining emotional wellness appears to be just as good for your mental wellbeing as physical exercise is.
4. Laughing keeps you young
Across all regions, one thing the centenarians had in common is having a great sense of humour and a positive mindset—they laughed often, spent time with friends and had fun. This resource seems to help them manage stress, regulate their nervous systems and keep them young at heart.
“Laughter is good for our arteries, it’s good for heart disease. The happiness is palpable. I think what the Blue Zones teaches us is longevity can be joyous,” says Buettner. “It doesn’t have to be a chore. And community and connection is prescriptive to longevity.”
5. Herbal tea may support brain and heart health
In Ikaria, Greece, people drink herbal teas daily, which Buettner says has a wealth of health benefits.
“They are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and they contain diuretics that lower blood pressure. Herbal tea has a very strong tie to the extraordinary longevity on the island [of Ikaria].” Some researchers even say it could help lower the risk of dementia.
Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zonesis now streaming on Netflix
