What is the Power 9?
National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner discovered that the longest-lived people live in surroundings that make healthy choices easier. He calls these areas Blue Zones, and realized that each community adhered to a set of 9 principles, which he calls the Power 9. Find out how the Power 9 can improve your life by joining Dan on February 21 for the Blue Zones Project Kick-Off Event.
Move Naturally
#slide14 .story a{margin:0 auto;width:500px;display:block;}#slide14 .story a img{margin-top:185px !important;} The world’s longest-lived people don’t pump iron, run marathons or join gyms. Instead, they live in environments that constantly nudge them into moving without thinking about it. Find ways to move more in your life! You'll burn calories without thinking about it.
Purpose
The Okinawans call it “Ikigai” and the Nicoyans call it “plan de vida;” for both it translates to “why I wake up in the morning.” Wake up with purpose each day and add up to seven years to your life.
Down Shift
Stress leads to chronic inflammation, associated with every major age-related disease. What the world’s longest-lived people have that we don’t are routines to shed that stress. Okinawans take a few moments each day to remember their ancestors, Adventists pray, Ikarians take a nap and Sardinians do happy hour. Reverse disease by finding a stress-relieving strategy that works for you.
80% Rule
“Hara hachi bu” -- the Okinawan, 2500-year old Confucian mantra said before meals reminds them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it. Remember to eat mindfully and stop when 80% full.
Plant Slant
Beans, including fava, black, soy and lentils, are the cornerstone of most centenarian diets. Put more fruits and vegetables on your plate!
Wine @ 5
Studies show that for people who have a healthy relationship with alcohol, enjoying a glass of wine rich in artery-scrubbing flavonoids can benefit the health of the mind and body.
Belong
Participating in a faith-based community can add up to 14 years to your life.
Family First
Invest time with family to add up to six years to your life. This means keeping aging parents and grandparents nearby or in your home (it lowers disease and mortality rates of children in the home too), committing to a life partner (which can add up to 3 years of life expectancy) and investing in children with time and love (they’ll be more likely to care for you when the time comes).
Right Tribe
The world’s longest lived people chose social circles that supported healthy behaviors. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors. Surround yourself with people who support you and positive behaviors
