August 10, 2026
In the early 2000s, researchers identified several regions around the world where people consistently live longer, healthier lives than the average population. These places, known as Blue Zones, are home to an unusually high number of people who live into their 90s and even past 100. Residents also experience lower rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, dementia and certain cancers.
Journalist and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner brought worldwide attention to these remarkable communities in his bestselling book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. The five original Blue Zones include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.
At first glance, these communities appear to have little in common. They speak different languages, eat different foods and follow different traditions. Yet researchers discovered that they share nine lifestyle habits that support longevity and healthy aging. Buettner calls them the Power 9.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of the research is that these habits aren’t complicated. Most of them are simple choices we can all incorporate into our daily lives, no matter where we live.
1. Move Naturally
One of the biggest surprises about Blue Zone residents is that they don’t spend hours exercising in gyms.
Instead, movement is naturally built into their daily routines. They walk to visit neighbors, tend gardens, prepare meals from scratch, complete household chores and spend time outdoors. Their environments encourage them to stay active without having to think about it.
Modern life makes it easy to sit for long periods, but healthy aging depends on regular movement. Daily walks, gardening, stretching, dancing, water aerobics and fitness classes all help improve strength, balance, flexibility and heart health.
The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency.
2. Find Your Purpose
The Okinawans have a word for purpose: ikigai, which loosely translates to “reason for being.” In Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, people refer to it as plan de vida, or “life plan.” (Not so coincidentally, Lathrop and all Kendal properties are called Life Plan Communities.)
Research suggests that having a sense of purpose may even contribute to a longer life.
Purpose doesn’t have to come from a career. In retirement, it often comes from volunteering, mentoring, learning new skills, caring for grandchildren, pursuing creative hobbies or giving back to the community.
Having something meaningful to look forward to each day provides motivation, confidence and fulfillment.
3. Make Time to Unwind
Even the happiest communities experience stress. The difference is that people living in Blue Zones have built daily rituals that help them release it.
In Okinawa, many people pause to remember their ancestors. Residents of Ikaria often enjoy an afternoon nap. People in Sardinia gather with friends. Many Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda pray regularly.
While the rituals differ, the result is the same: less chronic stress.
Taking time each day to slow down, whether through meditation, prayer, reading, spending time outdoors or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, supports both physical and emotional well-being.
4. Eat Until You’re 80% Full
One of the best-known Blue Zone habits is the Okinawan practice of hara hachi bu, a reminder to stop eating when you’re about 80% full instead of waiting until you’re stuffed.
Eating more slowly gives your brain time to recognize fullness, making it easier to avoid overeating.
Simple habits like savoring meals, putting your fork down between bites and minimizing distractions during meals can make healthy eating feel less like a diet and more like a lifestyle.
5. Let Plants Take Center Stage
Blue Zone diets aren’t necessarily vegetarian, but they are overwhelmingly plant-based.
Meals are built around vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains and nuts. Meat is enjoyed occasionally and in smaller portions than many Americans are accustomed to eating.
These eating patterns closely resemble the Mediterranean diet, which has long been associated with better heart health and reduced risk of chronic disease.
Healthy eating isn’t about deprivation. It’s about choosing fresh, colorful, minimally processed foods most of the time.
6. Celebrate in Moderation
In most Blue Zones, people enjoy life’s pleasures without excess. In several of these communities, that includes sharing a glass of red wine with friends during a meal.
Interestingly, the social aspect appears to be just as important as the beverage itself. Gathering around the table, sharing stories and enjoying one another’s company all contribute to emotional well-being.
Of course, moderation is key, and alcohol isn’t appropriate for everyone. The larger lesson is to slow down, enjoy meals and make time for meaningful connection.
7. Belong to a Community
Researchers found that nearly every centenarian they interviewed belonged to some type of community.
Whether through organized religion, volunteer organizations, senior living, meditation groups or other meaningful communities, belonging provides connection, encouragement and emotional support.
Feeling connected to something larger than ourselves has been linked to improved mental health, resilience and overall life satisfaction.
8. Put Loved Ones First
In Blue Zone cultures, family remains at the center of life.
Older adults often stay closely connected to children and grandchildren, and families make time for shared meals, celebrations and traditions.
Strong relationships don’t just enrich life, they also contribute to better physical and emotional health. Research consistently shows that people with supportive relationships tend to experience less loneliness, lower stress levels and greater overall well-being.
9. Choose Friends Who Encourage Healthy Living
Healthy habits are contagious.
Researchers have found that our social circles influence everything from physical activity to eating habits and even our outlook on life.
Blue Zone residents intentionally cultivate friendships that encourage healthy choices, laughter, purpose and connection. In Okinawa, lifelong friendship groups called moais provide emotional support and companionship throughout life.
This is one of the greatest benefits of community living. When neighbors gather for fitness classes, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, book clubs, game nights or simply morning coffee, healthy habits become part of everyday life.
Bringing Blue Zone Living Home
While scientists continue to study the Blue Zones, one thing is clear: healthy aging isn’t built on a single miracle food or exercise routine. It’s the result of many small choices made consistently over time.
Move your body every day. Eat nourishing foods. Manage stress. Stay curious. Build meaningful friendships. Spend time with family. Find purpose. Laugh often.
These habits don’t just add years to life, they add life to years.
Living Well, Together
At Lathrop, many of the principles of Blue Zone living happen naturally every day. Residents enjoy opportunities to stay active through wellness programs, walking groups and fitness classes. Chef-prepared meals make healthy eating both delicious and convenient. Clubs, volunteer opportunities, educational opportunities and social events foster meaningful friendships and lifelong learning.
Most importantly, independent residents wake up each day surrounded by opportunities to stay engaged, connected and purposeful.
While none of us can guarantee a longer life, we can all make choices that help us live healthier, happier and more fully – starting today.