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What Can We Learn 
From Blue Zone Living?
BLUE ZONES WERE FIRST 
DISCUSSED IN 2000 
when Belgian and Italian 
researchers noted longevity 
trends in certain regions of the 
world. Using these insights, 
National Geographic journalist 
Dan Buettner documented 
global hotspots identified 
as naturally occurring blue 
zones, where older adults 
commonly live to age 90 
(nonagenarians) and 100 or 
older (centenarians). They 
included Okinawa, Japan; 
Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; 
Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma 
Linda, California.
Twenty-five years later, the 
original blue zones face 
outside cultural influences, 
and researchers have shifted 
focus to studying “engineered” 
blue zones, such as Singapore, 
where government policy and 
city design promote healthy 
living and longevity, according 
to STAT.
However, the blue zone concept 
and the Power 9 lifestyle habits 
it exemplifies are principles we 
could all follow.
According to research 
from National Geographic 
and Harvard Health, most 
residents in blue zones live 
seven to ten years longer than 
average. They also have lower 
rates of chronic diseases like 
some cancers, cardiovascular 
disease, diabetes, obesity 
and dementia.
Researchers found 
commonalities among those 
living in blue zones, including 
following healthy diets and 
keeping their bodies and 
minds active. Referred to 
as the Power 9 by journalist 
Dan Buettner in his book, 
The Blue Zones: Lessons for 
Living Longer from the People 
Who’ve Lived the Longest, 
the common lifestyle traits 
include:
1.	 Eating a primarily 
plant-based diet
2.	Monitoring calorie 
intake, including 
intermittent fasting
3.	Avoiding alcohol entirely 
or drinking in moderation, 
primarily red wine
4.	Embracing a sense of 
purpose in their lives
5.	Following a daily lifestyle 
that encourages natural, 
vigorous movement
6.	Adopting some form of 
daily stress relief
7.	 Incorporating religion or 
spirituality in their lives
8.	Establishing stable, 
extended family structures, 
such as young and older 
relatives living together
9.	 Developing supportive 
social networks and 
lifelong friendships
Essential Tips
The Power 9
At Hillcrest, we’ve intentionally 
built these principles into 
everyday life.
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