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Blue Zones

Okinawa, Ikaria, Sardinia, Nicoya and Loma Linda: the habits, foods and communities behind unusually long, healthy lives.

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a path through the hills and a light dumbbell for the guide "What Is a Blue Zone? The 5 Places People Live Longest"

What Is a Blue Zone? The 5 Places People Live Longest

A blue zone is a region where people reach 100 far more often than average. Meet the five, what they share, and what the science says.

5 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a light dumbbell, a path through the hills and a walking stick for the guide "The Power 9: Nine Habits of the World's Longest-Lived People"

The Power 9: Nine Habits of the World's Longest-Lived People

The nine shared habits found across blue zones, explained in plain English with a simple way to start each one this week.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, an armchair and a weighing scale for the guide "Okinawa Longevity Secrets: Ikigai, Moai and Hara Hachi Bu"

Okinawa Longevity Secrets: Ikigai, Moai and Hara Hachi Bu

Why people in Okinawa, Japan, have been among the longest-lived in the world: purpose, social circles, sweet potatoes and eating to 80% full.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a path through the hills, a light dumbbell and a walking stick for the guide "Ikaria, Greece: The Island Where People Forget to Die?"

Ikaria, Greece: The Island Where People Forget to Die?

What Ikaria's naps, herbal teas, hilly walks and late-night gatherings teach us about ageing well, plus a fair look at the evidence.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a path through the hills, a walking stick and a light dumbbell for the guide "Sardinia's Blue Zone: Shepherds, Sourdough and 100-Year-Old Men"

Sardinia's Blue Zone: Shepherds, Sourdough and 100-Year-Old Men

In Sardinia's Barbagia highlands, an unusual number of men reach 100. Here is what shepherd life, food and family teach us.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a weighing scale and a light dumbbell for the guide "Nicoya, Costa Rica: Plan de Vida and the Three Sisters"

Nicoya, Costa Rica: Plan de Vida and the Three Sisters

Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula has some of the lowest middle-age mortality in the world. Explore plan de vida, beans and corn, and family bonds.

4 min read

Loma Linda, California: The Adventist Blue Zone

Loma Linda's Seventh-day Adventists live several years longer than average. See the diet, Sabbath rest and community behind it.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a potted plant and an open book for the guide "The Blue Zones Diet: What the World's Longest-Lived People Eat"

The Blue Zones Diet: What the World's Longest-Lived People Eat

About 95% plants, lots of beans and little sugar. A practical guide to the blue zones diet with a simple shopping list.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a light dumbbell and a weighing scale for the guide "Blue Zone Habits for Indian Homes: Dal, Millets and a Daily Walk"

Blue Zone Habits for Indian Homes: Dal, Millets and a Daily Walk

You do not need to move to Okinawa. Here is how blue zone habits map onto an Indian kitchen, family and day.

4 min read

Hara Hachi Bu: How to Eat Until You Are 80% Full

The Okinawan habit of stopping at 80% full may help with weight and digestion. Simple tips to practise it.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a bowl of food, a weekly pill organiser and a path through the hills for the guide "Blue Zones: Five Myths and What the Evidence Really Says"

Blue Zones: Five Myths and What the Evidence Really Says

Blue zones are inspiring but often oversold. A fair look at what is proven, what is debated and what you can still use.

4 min read

Hand-drawn line illustration of a pair of glasses, a reading lamp and an ear and hearing aid for the guide "Ikigai Explained: Finding Your Reason for Being"

Ikigai Explained: Finding Your Reason for Being

Ikigai is Japan's idea of a reason to get up in the morning. What it means, where it comes from and a simple way to find yours.

4 min read

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