Dying young as late as possible
Lety Trejo accompanied by her pets.
By: Leticia Trejo
In the past, the recommendation to be healthy was “exercise and eat healthy.” Health and Wellness specialists now recognize this formula is not enough because it leaves out the Mental/Emotional Health to achieve a proper balance. In reality, at a very deep level, what we are all looking for is to live longer. And we have achieved it – we are managing to live longer. What we are not achieving is longevity with good quality of life. We slowly wear out and deteriorate from the age of 50. We lose mobility, agility, the refinement of the senses; we become deaf, we lose our sight and very sadly we lose our memory and sanity.
But this is not the case everywhere in the world. There are some places where people live between 100 and 110 years with excellent quality of life. In these areas there are no chronic degenerative diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, Alzheimer’s or cancer. Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Icaria, Greece, are the strategic places that report this healthy longevity.
This wonderful discovery has been made by journalist Dan Buettner, a former New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer. One of Dan’s passions was breaking Guinness World Records, so he decided to cycle from Alaska to Patagonia, and on this trip he discovered these places. He requested support from National Geographic to invest in his research. He invited doctors in anthropology and other specialties to document the motives, customs, habits and lifestyle these people follow. Each place has its own characteristics, but there are some very special coincidences.
First, family is the most important thing. If there is any quarrel they get together to solve it, avoiding rancor and hatred between relatives. Second, the circle of close friends is very relevant. Having friends who support each other in all situations that arise in life. Third, the community is totally collaborative, making important decisions together about their territory and the solidarity and altruism they practice. Fourth, they sow, grow and consume their own food – are no fast food or industrialized food places. Finally, they do not smoke.
It is easy to appreciate that social and community coexistence is key to a good state of health – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Dan Buettner delves into this interesting topic in his book The Blue Zones. He includes the diets these people follow, some recipes and more tips to have an excellent quality of life.
If your goal, dear reader, is greater longevity and a good quality of life, now you have a scientific and proven reference on how you can achieve it. Changes do not happen overnight. Be patient, love the process and rejoice in the small or big steps you achieve.
Translated by Mike Rogers
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