Living In "The Blue Zones"

Genealogical Society Hears Program on Living to Be 100+

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

It was registered dietician, Kim Sellers, that presented a program for the Hopkins County Genealogical Society, on Thursday night, at their regular November meeting, in the local Genealogical Library. Sellers reviewed the book, "The Blue Zones," by Dan Buettner, and published by the National Geographic Society. The books spotlights four areas of the world where centenarians are much more prevalent, and focuses on the lifestyles that they embrace.

"Most all of us want to live to be 100 years or more, if we can continue to have a quality life," expressed Sellers, as she made her presentation. "And, Buettner has focused on four areas of the world...Sardina, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, that has well above the average for people living beyond the centenarian mark!"

Sellers outlined the lifestyles and presented a number of individuals in each of these world areas, along with the characteristics of their behavior, to help find a 'clue' for longevity, for the audience, on Thursday night.

 

 

In summation, Sellers listed these common characteristics for improving one's chances of living to be a centenarian:

             1) Move naturally - find wayt to build activities into your daily living.

             2) "Hara Hachi Bu" - cut calories by 20% or eat only 80% and still feel full.

             3) Avoid meat and processed foods - substitute beans and peas, etc.

             4) Drink red wine or other spirits in moderation - it helps decrease stress and has health advantages.

             5) Find your purpose in life - have a reason to get up every morning and live, making a contribution.

             6) Take time to relieve stress - take a break; call a friend, and enjoy life.

             7) Participate in a spiritual community - those people who are spiritually connected live longer!

             8) Make family a priority in life - interact and teach the next generation about your family.

             9) Right Tribe - it is easier to adopt good habits when you associate with those like-minded people, who are striving for healthier lives.

Sellers also offered two additional findings, that included living a preventative life, rather than "finding a cure," and getting plenty of sleep, striving for 8 hours per night.

The conclusion of the program was for members to go home and take the "Vitality Compass" test, on line at VitalityCompass@AARP.org.

Genealogical Society members conducted their business meeting following Sellers' presentation and elected a slate of officers for the coming year. Marynell Bryant will assume the role of president for next year. Members presented Rita Adams, who has served the past two years at the helm of the organization, as the 12th president, an award for her service.

The Genealogical Society will meet next on December 17th for the Annual Christmas Party. Also, the Genealogical Library will be closed, November 26th, 27th & 28th for the Thanksgiving Holiday, and December 24th, 25th, & 26th for Christmas Holidays!

 

______