5 Healthy Ways to Live a Longer, Happier Life, According to Blue Zone Communities

Don’t fill your stomach. Less is more when it comes to eating for long life, too. According to the 80 percent rule, in order to stay healthier longer, we should eat a little less than our hunger demands instead of stuffing ourselves.

Many of the findings are what you’d expect: don’t drink too much, don’t smoke, exercise often, eat a nutritious diet, maintain a healthy body weight, and keep learning.

According to scientists who have studied the five Blue Zones, the keys to longevity are diet, exercise, finding a purpose in life (an ikigai), and forming strong social ties—that is, having a broad circle of friends and good family relations.

1. Eating a (mostly) plant-based diet


2. Engaging in moderate, regular physical activity


3. Ensuring a balanced caloric intake


4. Having a life purpose


5. Maintaining low levels of stress


6. Drinking limited amounts of alcohol (emphasis on “limited”, not “drinking”)


7. Being spiritua

The lessons are clear. Live close to nature. Love deeply. Eat simple food raised sustainably (ideally by your own hands). Move naturally. Laugh and rest. Actually live. (And live longer, as it turns out.)