Whether you are a binge watcher or simply want to know more about the 5 Blue Zones, then you’ll love the new Netflix blue zones show called Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones. 🎞️
Whether you’ve seen it or not, it’s an ideal topic to discuss on this blog – where we look at culture and wellbeing from around the world.
In this article, we briefly explore the five blue zones of the world and what makes them so special. Stay tuned for more on these zones in individual articles coming soon.
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- What is the Blue Zones Netflix show?
- What are the five Blue Zones?
- Where are the 5 Blue Zones?
- What healthy habits do the Blue Zones of the World share?
- The final word of the five Blue Zones
What is the Blue Zones Netflix show?
In August 2023, Netflix released a new series called Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.
In this four-part limited series, the acclaimed author Dan Buettner travels the world to unearth five unique communities in which people live extraordinarily long, healthy and happy lives. In 2008, Buettner wrote a book on the same topic. 💙
Where are these communities? That’s what this article explores!
What are the five Blue Zones?
The five Blue Zones are regions around the world where people are known for living longer and healthier lives compared to the global average.
These areas tend to have a high concentration of centenarians (those who live to 100+) and low rates of age-related diseases.
Of course, it’s all done without special supplements or crazy exercise routines!
Because of this, these regions have attracted attention from researchers and health enthusiasts – and bloggers like me!
Where are the 5 Blue Zones?
In no particular order, here are the five the Blue Zones of the world (as outlined in this 2016 paper):
Okinawa, Japan
We begin with one I know very well, the beautiful Japanese prefecture of Okinawa. This archipelago is famous for its low rates of chronic diseases and high life expectancy.
In fact, in 2019 it was reported that for every 100,000 inhabitants, Okinawa had 68 centenarians. This is over three times the amount of people living to 100 than in American populations of the same size.
The traditional Okinawan diet is rich in vegetables, tofu, and seafood, and it emphasizes portion control and calorie restriction.
Of course, being overweight increases the risk of many chronic diseases, so to maintain a healthy weight the Okinawans practice portion control. One of the ways they do this is through the philosophy of hara hachi bu – eating to 80% full.
Social connections and a strong sense of community also contribute to their health and longevity, as does their sense of purpose, known as ikigai.
Sardinia, Italy
Next on the list is my favourite country and one of the healthiest on the planet – Italy! More specifically, the region of Sardinia, which is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
This gorgeous region boasts one of the highest concentrations of male centenarians in the world. In fact, the male centenarian numbers are similar to the females, which is very rare.
The typical Sardinian diet is centered around whole grains, beans and vegetables, as well as goat’s milk or cheese. They do have their fair share of pastries and breads, but most of the emphasis is on homemade and minimally processed foods.
Physical activity, particularly in the form of walking, is also a regular part of daily life in Sardinia. Of course, this includes the famous Italian after dinner walk, la passeggiata, which is one of my favourite habits to discuss.
Ikaria, Greece
Another of the Blue Zones of the world is the Greek island of Ikaria, located in the Aegean Sea. Ikaria was named after the mythical Icarus, who flew too close to the sun then fell into the sea near the island.
Mythical metaphors aside, Ikaria is a paradise island known for its high number of people who live well into their 90s and beyond.
They do this through a daily diet consisting mainly of plant-based foods and olive oil, washed down with plenty of herbal teas. Some of the herbal teas popular on the island are chamomile, mint, oregano, sage and mountain tea (sideritis).
Of course, physical activity is also a natural part of daily life. This includes a lot of hill walking, because the island is very mountainous island.
On Ikaria, life seems to slow down in comparison to the rest of Greece. Interestingly, the Ikarian tourism website describes the people of the island as existing ‘beyond the normal concepts of time as we are used to in the modern world‘. Nice.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Set on the on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Nicoya Peninsula is another healthful part of the world and rightly claims its title as a Blue Zone. Like others, it has a high longevity for elderly males.
The Nicoyans eat a diet with plenty of beans, corn, and tropical fruits. They are said to have a strong sense of purpose in life and maintain close-knit social circles.
They also engage in physical labour and outdoor activities, which again contributes to their longevity.
I found it particularly interesting to read that experts and locals alike attribute the area’s hard water to their good health. This extremely hard water is packed with calcium and magnesium, which are essential nutrients for the heart and bones.
Loma Linda, California, USA
Yes, there is a US Blue Zone! Loma Linda is actually very unique on this list as it’s not a single geographical region. Instead it’s a community in San Bernardino County, California, consisting of around 9,000 people who are Seventh-day Adventists.
Spanish for ‘beautiful hill’, Loma Linda residents are said to follow a vegetarian diet and prioritize healthy lifestyles (i.e., no smoking and no alcohol either).
They emphasize plant-based foods, exercise, rest, and strong social connections. For these habits, residents of this community are reported to live up to 10 years longer than the average American.
What healthy habits do the Blue Zones of the World share?
Reading through the above 5 blue zones, you will be able to see some common traits shared by the residents of these enviable areas of our planet. 🌍
They all tend to follow a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while consuming only small amounts of processed foods and red meat.
These salubrious people also engage in daily physical activity, which are often low-intensity. Things like walking, gardening and manual labor.
Diet and activity aside, the people in the Blue Zones of the world value strong social ties, and a sense of community and purpose.
Finally, people in these zones may still eat ‘bad foods’, drink alcohol and smoke. However, those that do tend to do so in moderation. Practicing techniques like portion control and moderation are big factors in their longevity.
Now, I will say that good genetics could play a part in the longevity in people in some of these areas, and you can’t overlook that every one of these Blue Zones is blessed with more sun than the average UK household!
But in terms of lifestyle, what it ultimately all boils down to is common sense!
The final word of the five Blue Zones
I will be exploring each of these Blue Zones in more depth over the coming months, but for now, I hope this article has given you some inspiration.
If you want to watch the new series on the Blue Zones, Netflix should be the next thing on your shopping list.
If you already have Netflix, then… what the heck are you still doing here?! Go watch it!
Then come back and let me know what you think in the comments.
Planet Health 
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