Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones & What it Teaches Us About Community
Traveling the world, meeting locals and hearing their stories sounds like, to me anyway, the ultimate dream job.
And that is exactly what Dan Buettner has done for decades. In search of centenarians worldwide to understand how they’ve lived so long and uncover the secrets of vitality.
If you’ve watched the trending Netflix Docu-series Live To 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, then you’ve seen his mission take him to all corners of the world. What his research tells us is something truly fascinating – but not particularly unique.
I’ll explain what I mean.
Buettner, American National Geographic Fellow and New York Times-bestselling author, became obsessed with the scientific studies that were done about the legend of Okinawa, Japan. Formerly known as the land of immortals, their numerous residents were living to 100 and beyond. Buettner immediately set out to Okinawa to learn about and witness this captivating mystery with his own eyes.
This journey led him to seeing other regions known for their impressive senior citizens. He began visiting the likes of Greece, Italy, and Costa Rica, where vastly different cultures turned out to have more in common than otherwise expected.
Without giving away the richness of these moments he shared with wise centenarions, I thought we’d keep this conversation centered on one of the four main ingredients that make up this vitality cocktail.
Community.
Community is a concept that Hopkins County is incredibly familiar with. If not only for the number of times you see that word in our local businesses’ mission statement.
Many people understand that as tribal a species as human beings are, the idea of “it takes a village” turns out to be about more than just raising a child. Our relationships with each other are obviously important. But what about those beyond our immediate family and friends? Beyond our coworkers and church groups?
What about those interactions you have with the small business owners you’ve known for years? The local farmers that you buy produce from. The pharmacist who knows you by name. How important are these relationships?
The impacts of which, I’d argue, can benefit not only your life, but the prosperity of a town, city and state.
As I’m sure you’re aware, our country has seen the corruption of big corporations. Deep pockets only getting deeper. And citizens nearly forced to spend their hard-earned dollars on these companies with competitive convenience and diversity of products.
Look I get it, sometimes buying local doesn’t always equate to a budget friendly choice. But think about where your dollars are going. Which businesses are truly there to help you. And how our environment, safety and our health can change due to the compounding of these choices over time.
Consider, if you will, how these community minded businesses have chosen you.
How businesses like Alliance Bank, Cody Drug, Signature Solar, and others are aware of this incredibly important concept of a connected community.
Actions such as offering sponsorships, volunteering at your favorite events, reimbursing their employees higher education, getting to know you on a personal level so that your needs are TRULY understood. These actions are in kind to those of the places Buettner researched. Such as Singapore for example, where he learned that the happiness of their people is a top priority. Where polices are made to enrich the health and success of its residents.
When we begin to value businesses that take these actions seriously, we begin to see the community around us thrive. Our lives become about helping each other. Our ever-divisive society begins to reconnect. And as Buettner discovered, we begin to age slower, and become happier.
In all stages of life, connection with others is imperative. Sharing a common goal with a group of individuals makes it easier to accomplish. Keep this concept in mind and consider making choices with a village mindset.
As Hopkins County continues to grow, I believe it can become a place where we share a sense of purpose. Where we encourage one another and ultimately work together towards a more harmonious future.
Pictures and article by: Christian Dicus
