Lessons from the Blue Zone
The blue zone philosophy represents the traditional lifestyle setting, graced with love, laughter, learning, and purpose. The blue zone concepts support active socialization, physical activity, and healthy dietary habits that promote good health and longevity (Nedelcu, 2018). What I have learned from the blue zone lifestyle is to keep family close because this improves the quality of life. With a strong family bond, problems are solved faster, promoting mental health. Also, maintaining physical activity such as walking and jogging is critical to maintaining good health that promotes longevity. Additionally, eating healthy food such as vegetables and fruits reduces the risks of heart attack and diabetes, which increases life expectancy (Amit Shah, 2017).
Comparison of Blue Zone Principles to the Modern Lifestyle
Some physical fitness activities done by the blue zone natives include long-distance walking and large-scale farming (Nedelcu, 2018). Similarly, physical activity has become a part of the modern lifestyle because many have incorporated it as a routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2021), 23.2% of adults in the U.S met the physical activity guideline in 2021. There is still time for improvement because people are becoming purpose-driven, an integral tool for attaining the blue zone standards. With purpose, life becomes worth extra years because each day is an invention.
Contrasting Blue Zone Principles to the Modern Lifestyle
Unhealthy eating and sleeping patterns have defined the lifestyle norms in this modern generation. It is more fun to snack on chips than nuts (Amit Shah, 2017). Getting enough sleep has become a luxury due to multifactorial things such as complex working schedules. Additionally, people are socially disconnected because of the technological advancements that have made virtual interaction more appealing than one-on-one conversations. My take on blue zone principles is that it is a revolution that will revive the natural self, which is almost extinct.
References
Amit Shah, M. D. (2017). Is healthy aging possible? Lessons from “Blue Zones” and long-lived individuals. Arizona Geriatrics Society Journal, 23(1), 1646. Web.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Exercise or physical activity. National Center for Health Statistics. Web.
Nedelcu, E. (2018). The impact of social relationships over health and longevity. The “blue zones” case. Romanian Review of Social Sciences, (8) 1-14.