In 2004, author Dan Buettner teamed up with National Geographic and hired the world’s best longevity researchers to identify pockets around the world where people lived measurably longer. In these “Blue Zones” (Loma Linda, Calif.; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; and Nicoya, Costa Rica), they found that people reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States. The Healthiest State Initiative recommends that Iowans consider adopting these nine habits shared by all Blue Zones residents, as described by Buettner:

1. Move Naturally

Americans burn fewer than 100 calories a day engaged in “exercise.” We can get more physical activity naturally if we live in walkable communities, de-convenience our homes by getting rid of power tools, and grow gardens. Walking is the best activity for longevity.

2. Know Your Purpose

People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years longer than those who don’t. Know your values, passions and talents – and share them on a regular basis.

3. Downshift

Chronic inflammation caused by stress is related to every major age-related disease. To reverse inflammation, find time each day to meditate, nap, pray or enjoy a “happy hour.”

4. 80 Percent Rule

Cut 20 percent of your calories with evidence-based practices: eat a big breakfast, eat with your family, remove the TV from your dining area and say pre-meal expressions of appreciation.

5. Plant Slant

Eat mostly a plant-based diet heavy on beans, nuts and green plants. Eat meat in small portions (the size of a deck of cards) less than twice weekly.

6. Wine at 5

Drinkers outlive non-drinkers. Two glasses of wine daily will add years to your life, especially when consumed during a plant-based meal.

7. Family First

Living in a thriving family is worth a half-dozen extra years of life expectancy. Invest time in your children, nurture a monogamous relationship and keep your aging parents nearby.

8. Belong

Recommit, reconnect or explore a new faith-based community. It doesn’t matter if you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Buddhist. People who show up to their faith community four times a month live an extra 4-14 years.

9. Right Tribe

Your friends have a long-term and measurable impact on your health and longevity. Taking stock in who your friends are and expanding your social circle to include health-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life.

Source: Blue Zones LLC