In 2004, National Geographic Explorer and Journalist, Dan Buettner, coined the term “Blue Zones” to describe geographical locations with a common phenomenon; the people that inhabit them live to one hundred plus!
Midler Jones, a PEACE senior, said that she did not know what a blue zone was, and she is not the only one!
Dan Buettener went on to explore these places and their cultures to find out how their elderly populations live as long as they do. He documents his travels in a four-episode limited Netflix documentary series titled “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” In his series, he focuses on Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.
These communities had a few common factors that could possibly cause the phenomenon; a healthy diet, exercise ingrained into their daily life, getting enough sleep, being religious/spiritual and feeling like they have a purpose in life, taking care of the elderly, and having a healthy social life.
People living in Blue Zones have a diet of 95 to 100 percent plant-based. They eat fresh produce when it is in season and make a supply of pickled produce for when it is not. Cultures in the Blue Zones also eat a lot of olive oil. According to an article on bluezones.com, “Evidence shows that olive oil consumption increases good cholesterol and lowers bad cholesterol. In Ikaria, we found that for middle-aged people, about six tablespoons of olive oil daily seemed to cut the risk of dying in half.”
Another important aspect of their diet is beans. In fact, beans are a common denominator in all of the Blue Zones. “On average, they are made up of 21 percent protein, 77 percent complex carbohydrates (the kind that delivers slow and steady energy rather than the spike you get from refined carbohydrates like white flour), and only a few percent fat. They are also an excellent source of fiber,” the article explains. Beans are also cheap and come in a variety of types, making them easier to incorporate into different meals.
Exercise was also a denominator in the Blue Zones. In most cases, the people who inhabit these geographical locations are active as part of their daily lives. Most do not own cars but instead walk everywhere, up hills and through suburban terrain. However, an article on bluezones.com about exercise suggests a few ways to stay healthy and active in more urban settings. These ideas include walking fast for an hour a day; riding your bike, running, or swimming, for thirty minutes a day; and using your muscle groups. For people who are less dedicated to an active lifestyle, simply taking the stairs instead of the escalator is a step in the right direction.
It is no secret that stress takes a toll on your body. The American Psychological Association wrote an article about stress’s effects on the body. However, the inhabitants of Blue Zones have less stress, allowing them to be healthier. One of the reasons for their lower stress levels is their sleep habits. An article on the subject stated “To shed stress and lower the risk of heart disease, centenarians in blue zones regions ensure that they get seven to nine hours of rest. They also nap frequently throughout the week.”
“Sleep is beneficial for two reasons. One is that our body rebuilds muscle and repairs itself while we sleep because more growth hormone is released at that time,” Mrs. Atkinson, one of Millikan’s Anatomy teachers, said. “Sleep is also important for reducing stress because stress causes our bodies to release a hormone called cortisol. It raises our heart and breathing rate to help us deal with stress, but if it is released too often, it can cause damage to our bodies,” she continued.
A surprising factor that the Blue Zones also believe leads to longevity is having a purpose in life. In an article, they even stated that the adjustment of your attitude when you feel your life has purpose can add up to seven years to your life! One of the most common purposes people can have is religion. Regardless of the purpose you chose, “A strong sense of purpose can really reduce stress in your life. You’ll have less worry and anxiety, be more clear about your goals, be less motivated by the positive opinions of others and you may not fret as much about decisions,” the article stated.
Lastly, in the Blue Zones, everyone leads healthy social lives. These communities tend to be smaller, making it easier for people to form strong connections. It has also been shown to be beneficial for families to live together. Elders will live with their children into their old age.
Although there is a modge-podge of reasons the Blue Zones have a lower risk of death, they teach wisdom that can be applied to daily life. Following their advice can help you live a longer and happier life.
Fiona Rowe • Nov 29, 2023 at 1:13 pm
The article addresses what Blue zones are and how you can be a part of them. Blue zones are places in the world where the average age is 100. After Miller explains this she then dives into the tips of how to replicate these peoples’ lifestyles. She identifies that a healthy diet, exercise, getting enough sleep, feeling like you have a purpose in life, taking care of the elderly, and having a healthy social life, are all things that these individuals have in common. In each of these points, she expertly goes into detail as to why these aspects to our lives are important. Miller pulls data and quotes from not only the internet, but also, teachers here at Millikan. This small choice was expert in the fact that it made me feel like her information was very reliable while also addressing a person that is easier to relate to.
Although I do love and relate to Miller’s argument, I do think she could address the idea of being vegan a little more. Even though being vegan is a healthy option, I do know that, sometimes, people who are or try to be vegan pass out or have problems with getting enough protein. Addressing why veganism works so well for these people specifically, would clear up my slight skepticism about this essay. Overall, Miller has written a brilliant and informational essay addressing Blue Zones which has made me want to take even better care of myself.
Phoebe Michalczak • Nov 29, 2023 at 1:08 pm
This article provides interesting insight on a phenomenon many people don’t know about. Like many other students, I had no idea blue zones existed and this article provided very good information explaining some of the factors that make it possible for the people living in them to live for such a long time. I think it is important for people to know about these places because they can look at the lifestyle of blue zone inhabitants, and change their own lifestyles with that in mind, in order to live healthier, longer lives. Some aspects of the blue zone inhabitants’ lifestyles are very achievable for high school students so hopefully after reading this, they are inspired to make a change to better themselves. Overall, this article does a great job introducing a topic that not many people know about. With this new knowledge, hopefully more people will make improvements to their lifestyles to live longer, more fulfilling lives.
Samuel Figueroa • Nov 29, 2023 at 12:00 pm
I found this article very helpful and informative. Not only does it describe what a Blue Zone is, but it explains how the people living there are able to live so long. It also gives us strategies we can use to live a healthy and happier life. While the article talks a lot about having the proper diet, it also explains the importance of things like sleep and having a healthy social life. I believe this article is very useful for people trying to lower stress or trying to be more healthy.
While I agree that eating lots of plant based food is good for you, I think that for certain people it may be more beneficial to have a balance between the plant based food and more food that contains lots of protein. The article includes beans as a possible source of protein. But I feel that if someone is very athletic they need to consume more calories than someone who might not be as active as they are. In this case it might be more beneficial to that person to consume lots of plant based food, but also a good amount of protein and carbohydrates.
This article is great for people looking to improve their lives by becoming more healthy and more active. It is very well organized and explains each idea clearly.
Anonymous • Nov 29, 2023 at 11:01 am
November 29, 2023
Dear Corydon Editor,
On November 7, 2023, Peyton Miller wrote an article titled “Blue Zones”. The author did a great job at raising awareness about blue zones and educating the public. I think that it is important to not only identify what blue zones are, but how they have come to be recognized as such communities, which is what the author did. Miller did well at thoroughly explaining the many variables that go into how these people are able to live so long. However, I would recommend changing the part of the article that states, “Midler Jones, a PEACE senior, said that she did not know what a blue zone was, and she is not the only one! Dan Buettener went on to explore these places and their cultures to find out how their elderly populations live as long as they do. He documents his travels in a four-episode limited Netflix documentary series titled “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” In his series, he focuses on Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.” (Miller) to something like, “PEACE senior, Midler Jones, said that she did not know what a blue zone was, and she is not the only one! Buettener documents his travels in a four-episode limited Netflix documentary series titled “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” In his series, he focuses on Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. Throughout his journey, Buettener explores these places and their cultures to find out how their elderly populations live as long as they do.” in order to create a more cohesive and comprehensive introduction. Overall, the article was very well written and opened my eyes, as well as that of many others to the interesting phenomenon of blue zones.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Alex Coakley • Nov 29, 2023 at 10:07 am
On November 7, 2023, Payton Miller published an article titled, “Blue Zones”. What are these blue zones? He describes them as areas that commonly live past age 100 including Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. These areas have just a handful of factors, but very effective, that increase their likelihood of reaching age 100 and beyond. I really like this article because it makes me think about how the US is on a steady increase of obesity. As obesity is one of, if not the top predictor or mortality, makes me feel a sense of urgency for our people. But, as I keep reading it makes me realize our problem is far easier to fix than i thought. You insert details of their lifestyle like, “People living in Blue Zones have a diet of 95 to 100 percent plant-based”. Which to summarize just means they eat fresher products and consume the recommended amount of olive oil which has good cholesterol and six tablespoons is predicted to “cut the risk of dying in half”. This along with beans, good exercise, healthy social lives, overall purpose and motivation also help with staying stress free, and living a healthy life.
Tien • Nov 29, 2023 at 9:20 am
On November 7th, Payton Miller wrote an article titled “ Blue Zones,” about the factors leading the inhabitants of these areas to live to 100 plus. This article was extremely interesting to me because the lifestyle blue zone communities live seems to be causing this age phenomenon. A healthy diet, full sleep schedule, and living a social life are all small factors that blue zone communities easily incorporate into their day leading to them having a healthier and longer life. This article inspires me because these are all factors I can include in my day that will leave me with the same benefits. Those living in blue zones seem to be active as a part of their daily lives. Choosing to walk instead of drive is a simple and easy way to benefit your physical health and even the environment. This article goes to show that you don’t need to be living in a blue zone in order to be healthy. You just need to be willing to incorporate small changes in your lifestyle such as a change of diet or finding an activity that keeps you active every day.
Mya Ogden • Nov 29, 2023 at 9:19 am
October 23, 2023
Dear Corydon Editor,
On October 11, 2023, Allyson Richter wrote an article titled “Millikan Feels the Heat”. This article speaks on the lack of air conditioning in the schools and the effect that has had on students and teachers. Undoubtedly, in Long Beach, California the weather tends to always be sunny and warm. As a student in Millikan High School I have also felt the exhausting heat. Just like stated in the article “MBA junior Devin Wilson states. Wilson doesn’t have any classrooms with AC this school year.” From my experience this message seems to be repeated quite often throughout school. With my friends and I comparing the amount of air conditioned classrooms and envying the friends who have the most.
This is an occurring issue within the school. I would also like to add the concern with hot stuffy classrooms obstructing our learning. With the heat of the classroom this can often make students exhausted or make it hard for them to focus. I have definitely felt this way in a class and the heat can make it uncomfortable or hard to focus on the material that is being taught.
I believe that this is a serious issue that should be addressed. Thankfully the article informs the students of the implementation of air conditioning. A few of our hottest months have passed and are soon to come and we will all be looking forward to the installation of air conditioning which will give us a better learning environment.
Sincerely,
Mya Ogden
Kate Goldsworthy • Nov 29, 2023 at 9:13 am
On November 7, 2023, Payton Miller wrote an article titled “Blue Zones”. Immediately, the author dives into describing a fascinating phenomenon that is largely overlooked: blue zones. The author tells the audience that the people who live in the geographic locations of blue zones often live to be over a hundred years old. It is mentioned that eating fresh produce and healthy foods such as beans and olive oil while also indulging in constant exercise and an excellent sleep cycle. I appreciate how the author included the steps that the people in blue zones take to reach this marvelous accomplishment. However, I’m curious to find out if people in blue zones who live almost entirely on a plant based diet have any negative repercussions for excluding meat. I also appreciate that the author mentioned that following this sort of healthy routine will lower one’s stress levels and even give one a purpose in their life. I was instantly shocked and curious to learn more when I heard this piece of information. It is obvious that we live in a time and age where people’s lives are becoming more stressful, and many people are struggling to find happiness and purpose in their life. Especially being a high school student, with loads of homework, I understand how stress can take over your life and create a tormenting world inside your mind. I appreciate that the author introduced the unique habits of blue zones to display the ways the audience can become less stressed and live happier lives. Although living a long life is a fascinating side effect of blue zones, I would have loved for the author to dive deeper into the mental and emotional benefits.