Lessons from the Blue Zones

Recently, I’ve found myself absolutely enamoured of communities that are renowned for longevity. In my mind, these broad-smiling Italians sit in humble courtyards on low-to-the-ground seats (glass of wine in hand and a cheese platter nearby), surrounded by family and friends. They take slow strolls around their neighbourhoods, while away the hours in the garden, enjoy daily siestas and never ever rush. They don’t count calories, write to-do lists or keep a journal of the things that they’re grateful for because gratitude is just a natural part of their existence. They’re not pushing or striving to live long, healthy lives by stocking up on the latest superfood powders and walking the perfect number of steps each day. They’re not striving for anything; they are simply being, in the most delightful sense of the word. These are the people that we, ironically, aspire to be.

This, of course, is a picture painted in my own mental landscape, but I’m not the only one charmed by the idea. In fact, people have been actively studying “Blue Zones” since 2005 when Dan Buettner coined (and trademarked) the term in his article, “The secrets