It is funny after you pass a certain age you beginning to really see the results of hard living.  You also begin to wonder if you feel less than wonderful now how will you fare in the coming years?  Good news, there is a new book out that outlines simply how to live past 100 and still have a vital healthy life.

Parade magazine recently published a quick look at a new book that caught my eye from longevity expert Dan Buttner called the 'Blue Zone Solution'. This is where he studied the habits of older adults with active full lives and the common practices they have in common.

The article describes the' Blue Zone' the Japanese island of Okinawa to the Greek island of Ikaria,” or longevity hotspots (Sardinia, Loma Linda, Calif. and Nicoya, Costa Rica are the others), where people live to 100 or older at much higher-than-average rates.

So what are the four simple steps to a long healthy life.

  1. Find your 'Tribe' he says health is contagious and finding a group of people who love to do what you love keeps you connected and active.
  2. Eat smart. Mom was right you need those fruits and vegetables and to limit red meat.
  3. Find a purpose, this is key to wanting to do the first two. For some people, a sense of purpose evolves naturally—they discover they love singing in a choir, tutoring children or building model trains. This will keep your stress lower and that means less inflammation and better health.
  4. Move. Walking, dancing, gardening, swimming whatever you enjoy find a tribe of like minded people and get to it.

Seems simple enough.  I think the most encouraging thing in this study is that these centenarians is that they have quality of life not just quantity, low stress, activities, romantic relations and more.  That's how I'd like to be if I make it that far but like so many things it won't come without a plan.

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