Enter the Money Vikings Blue Zone. This is a land where you become as strong and wealthy as possible over a long life. You can age healthy and live what we call a life of True Wealth.
Fantasy?
Living such a life can be reality for millions of people, and you can be one of them. The proof is in “blue zones”. These are places around the world such as Sardinia, Okinawa and parts of California where people consistently live long healthy lives. Their habits and communities are being studied for the secret sauce. And there are actually relevant practices we can all coopt for our own personal “blue zone”. Also check out this blue zone habits overview.
5 Ways to Create Your Own Blue Zone to Age Healthy
Aging healthy and strong is a goal that many people strive for. While genetics play a role in the aging process, there are several lifestyle choices that can greatly impact your overall health and well-being as you age. Here are the top five ways to age healthy and strong:
Maintain a Balanced “Plant Forward” Diet:
A nutritious and balanced diet is essential for healthy aging. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, which help combat cellular damage caused by free radicals. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats, as they can contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases.
Blue Zone inhabitants tend to focus on a diet of whole real foods and mainly eat a plant based diet. These are a few ways to age healthy.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
People in blue zones move throughout the day. This does not tend to be intense workouts in a gym, but rather walking, gardening, stretching, house work, biking, swimming, etc. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining strength, flexibility, and overall vitality as you age. Aim for a combination of cardiovascular exercises (e.g., walking, swimming) and strength training activities (e.g., weightlifting, resistance bands) to improve cardiovascular health, bone density, and muscle strength. Engaging in activities like yoga or tai chi can also improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Just moving seems to be one of the best ways to age healthy as time goes on.
Prioritize Sleep
Good quality sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and practice relaxation techniques before bed. If you struggle with sleep, consider speaking to a healthcare professional to address any underlying issues.
Quality sleep appears to be one of the simplest and best ways to age healthy.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on your health and accelerate the aging process. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness meditation, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, or seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can also help alleviate stress.
Blue zone participants have lives like everyone, but they seem to be able to manage stress through exercise, diet, social connections and downtime. One of the big reasons I turn to collectibles and games is as a way to relieve stress and do something fun with friends and family.
Stay Mentally and Socially Active
Keep your mind sharp by engaging in intellectually stimulating activities. This can include reading, puzzles, learning a new skill or language, or participating in social activities that challenge your cognitive abilities. Additionally, maintaining strong social connections and nurturing relationships with loved ones can help prevent feelings of loneliness and promote emotional well-being.
Blue zone inhabitants appear to have social connections through various ways. They are spending time with others that they like and this can have powerful health enhancing benefits. All this combines to age healthy through life.
BONUS: Supplements
In the modern world it can be hard to get all the nutrients we may need from food sources alone. Therefore I do believe in supplements. For more, check out some of our coverage of promising supplements.
Remember, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice regarding your specific health needs and any age-related concerns you may have.