Netflix - Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

Earlier this month, Netflix released a docuseries titled 'Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,' in which a man named Dan Beauttnet explored five unique communities with the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. Dan traveled to each destination, aiming to uncover the secrets of their long and vibrant lives.

I was extremely keen to watch the series and it certainly lived up to my expectations. The show documented the lives of different people from various continents, all living fulfilling and independent lives well beyond the average age in most Westernized societies. In one episode, a man over 100 years old was seen riding horses in Costa Rica, while in others, individuals were shown gardening and cooking their own produce in Japan and Sardinia.

Throughout the series, several key themes emerged within these communities, with the goal of deciphering their secrets and considering how these practices could be applied to more typical towns and cities.

A recurring theme across all the communities was the importance of high-quality, unprocessed food. Although each diet varied by country, it was evident that they all relied on seasonal, locally grown produce that was cultivated, harvested, and prepared with care. This approach not only provided them with excellent nutrition but also incorporated daily, non-strenuous physical activity in the form of bending, pulling, and kneading. While replicating this lifestyle can be challenging in our densely populated, fast-paced world, there is undoubtable value in nourishing our bodies with well-prepared, home-cooked meals and minimizing the consumption of processed, imported foods where possible.

Exercise was another prominent theme throughout the series and showed that people in these communities certainly did not 'take things easy' as we are often told as we age, but instead took great pleasure in participating in daily exercise. The specific exercises varied widely among the different regions, including daily hillside walks, wood chopping, and horseback riding. What remained consistent, however, was the frequency and integration of these activities into their daily lives. Varied physical tasks, such as tending to a garden and taking daily walks uphill, provided strenuous activities for these individuals given their age. These challenges played a crucial role in maintaining their strength and muscle mass. The importance of variety and consistency in exercise was emphasized, as our bodies adapt to repetitive movements over time, diminishing their impact. For example, while initially walking the dog provides some exercise benefits, after years of the same routine, these benefits may reduce. Therefore, frequency, consistency, and variety are key to sustaining and building a healthy physique.

Moreover, each of these individuals maintained a clear sense of purpose, even after retirement. Rarely were they found at home, alone, watching television. Instead, they engaged in farming, gardening, hosting, or volunteering, contributing value to the communities they had grown up in and continued to live within. These activities not only gave them a reason to get up in the morning but also reinforced their sense of belonging.

One striking commonality in each society was their minimal experience of stress. While their work may have induced physical stress, they actively minimized emotional stress. When stressed, our bodies enter a 'fight or flight' response, a feeling familiar to many. Historically, this response was crucial to enhance focus and heighten senses when being chased by predators but now that is no longer the case. Nowadays, people often experience elevated stress levels due to work and lifestyle, repeatedly triggering the 'fight or flight' feeling. This constant exposure to stress can have profound negative effects, increasing blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and coronary heart disease. In contrast, the individuals in these communities surrounded themselves with supportive communities, engaged in daily stress-relieving activities, and embraced the company of those around them whenever possible.

In summary, this series unveiled a set of key themese associated with achieving a longer and healthier life. These include maintaining an unprocessed, seasonal diet, seamlessly integrating daily exercise into one's routine, sustaining a sense of purpose even in retirement, and actively reducing stress through community engagement and daily activities. Which of these elements can you incorporate into your own life?