Recently, I delved into the captivating documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner on Netflix. It's astonishing how centenarians in these regions live by basic life principles, while many of us in America battle heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In my last newsletter, I shared a link to this series because I believe it's crucial for people to understand that simple truths can profoundly impact our lives: eating wisely, connecting with others, moving naturally, and having faith.
Dan Buettner travels to various places worldwide with the highest population of centenarians, where he uncovers their wisdom and studies their practices compared to America. While I won't spoil the entire documentary for you, I strongly urge you to watch and learn from these remarkable individuals. There are numerous ways to enhance your life that don’t necessarily involve traditional exercise.
In Okinawa, Japan, the people don’t have typical furniture. Instead, they frequently sit on the floor and get up and down several times a day (just think about it, if you had to get up and down from the ground every time you needed something or wanted to go somewhere). In doing so, they engage in physical activity as part of their daily routine. Additionally, many Okinawans have gardens right outside their homes. Not only do they spend time tending to these gardens (which can be quite a workout in itself), but they also enjoy the fruits of their labor by consuming nutritious, unprocessed foods. Their bodies are adept at identifying and properly digesting these nutrients, unlike the processed snacks many of us consume. I confess, as I type this, I'm indulging in packaged chips and guacamole, a far cry from their wholesome diet!
During the documentary, one woman shared a powerful insight: “never get angry.” It's a profound sentiment that left me in awe. Imagine living without the weight of anger, resentment, or hate in your heart—just pure love and happiness. That woman seemed to embody the epitome of joy and contentment. Oh, how I wish we could all live like that every day.
In Sardinia, Italy, pasta and wine are staples, but they're made from scratch and enjoyed in community. Residents walk everywhere, prioritizing relationships over convenience.
In Ikaria, Greece, the elderly live with extended family instead of in nursing homes, fostering a sense of importance and value.
In Loma Linda, California, the Seventh Day Adventist community values rest and faith, alongside an active lifestyle. They showed 85+ year olds playing pickleball! The notion that movement is medicine resonates deeply.
These regions share commonalities: plant-based diets, constant movement, and strong family and community bonds. These are principles we should all embrace, yet we often overlook them. Why don't we laugh, dance, and gather more? Life is sweeter with our tribe.
This is why I'm dedicated to building a community of women who not only exercise together but also share, motivate, and support one another. It's just one piece of the puzzle, but progress is progress. Together, we can move towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Let's embrace these timeless principles and build a life filled with vitality, joy, and meaningful connections.
Yes you can,
Morgan Massey
