It might be a bit of a tall order to convert the UK into a "Blue Zone", at least not in the immediate future, BUT we could all work steadily towards it, and create our own little "Blue Zones"...
So what is a "Blue Zone"?
According to Dan Buettner, author of the New York Time's bestseller "The Blue Zones" (www.bluezones.com), a "Blue Zone" is one of five "pockets" around the world where some of the happiest, and healthiest people live! Many live past the 100 year old mark! For the past 5 years, he has taken groups of scientists to these areas to research the lifestyles of those people who live the longest, healthiest lives. Places such as Sardinia (where centenarians walk a minimum of 6 miles a day and where they actually celebrate old age!), an area in northern Costa Rica (where adults have the longest life expectancy in the world), Okinawa (an island off mainland Japan), as well as the small town of Loma Linda in California (home of the community of Seventh Day Adventists) all qualify as "Blue Zones". The happiest place on earth happens to be in Mexico! What is very interesting is that 40% of Mexicans live in extreme poverty. The FIVE KEYS to happiness were identified as follows:
Put family first - Mexican people count on each other for security, emotional and financial support.
Religion - over 80% of Mexicans believe in God, with the Church providing a good social network, as well as security when times get tough.
Human interaction, networking and socialising!
A Sense of humour and laughter - which incidentally helps them deal with the injustices of the Mexican government and legal system! They say that the ability to laugh helps them cope, AND enjoy their lives.
HOPE and living in the moment - they say that in Mexico, "HOPE" is the poor man's commodity, and it is in abundant supply.
Working towards a "Blue Life"
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