Apparently, living to 100 isn’t just about luck or good genes, it’s about simple, everyday habits that add up over a lifetime.
Researchers studying the world’s longest-lived populations discovered something fascinating: in certain places around the world, people not only live longer—they thrive. These extraordinary areas are called Blue Zones. The term, coined by author and explorer Dan Buettner, describes five regions where people routinely reach age 100: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California).
What makes them special? It’s not fancy diets or extreme exercise, it’s small, smart lifestyle choices anyone can adopt. (BlueZones.com)
Here are the 9 habits that centenarians around the globe share:
1. Move Naturally
Centenarians don’t hit the gym for hours.
Instead, they move naturally all day by gardening, walking to visit friends, cooking from scratch. In Blue Zones, constant gentle activity keeps the body strong and the mind sharp.
2. Find Purpose
Having a reason to get up in the morning can add up to 7 extra years to your life! In Okinawa, this is called “Ikigai”; in Nicoya, “plan de vida.”
Feeling needed and having goals, even small ones—boosts happiness, lowers stress, and helps people live longer.
Examples of finding purpose at any age:
- Volunteering at a local food pantry or library
- Teaching a grandchild a special skill, like knitting, cooking, or woodworking
- Starting a garden and tending to it daily
- Writing family stories or a personal memoir
- Leading a book club or joining a community group
- Helping neighbors by offering small acts of kindness
- Taking care of a pet who depends on you
- Learning something new, like a musical instrument or a language
Even simple things, like setting the goal of walking a mile every morning or reaching out to one new friend each week, can give life greater meaning.
Purpose doesn’t have to be grand, it just has to matter to you.
3. Downshift
Everyone experiences stress, but centenarians have ways to manage it.
Whether it’s praying, napping, or gathering with friends for a laugh, making time to relax is key to staying healthy longer.
4. Follow the 80% Rule
In Okinawa, people say “Hara Hachi Bu,” a reminder to stop eating when they’re 80% full.
This simple habit prevents overeating, lowers inflammation, and protects against heart disease and diabetes.
5. Eat Mostly Plants
Beans, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts are the cornerstone of centenarian diets.
Meat is a treat, not a daily staple—usually just 5 times a month!
This plant-focused eating style lowers the risk of many chronic diseases.
6. Drink Wine… Carefully
Most centenarians enjoy moderate alcohol, especially wine, with meals and friends.
It’s not about drinking to excess; it’s about savoring life and enjoying connection.
7. Belong to a Faith Community
Being part of a faith-based group, any faith, adds years to life.
Attending services just four times a month is linked to better health, lower depression rates, and longer life expectancy.
8. Put Family First
Keeping close to family adds joy and years to life.
Centenarians often live with or near their children and grandchildren, creating strong bonds across generations.
9. Choose Good Friends
In Blue Zones, friends support healthy behaviors.
In Okinawa, “moais” are groups of friends who commit to supporting each other for life.
The people you surround yourself with greatly influence your own health and happiness.
“If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress, and tension.”
— George Burns, comedian and actor
The secret to living a long, vibrant life isn’t necessarily in a bottle of pills or a magic potion, research shows that much of it is in the little choices we make every day.
Start moving more, eating better, connecting deeply, and relaxing often and who knows? You just might find yourself joyfully blowing out 100 candles someday!
About the Author
Written by the ZestYears Editorial Tem
