Question 131 of 433
What is the Blue Zones formula?
The short answer
Nine shared habits, which Buettner calls the Power 9.
Move naturally. No gyms. Walking, gardening, stairs, and manual work all day long.
Purpose. A reason to wake up. The Okinawans call it ikigai; the Nicoyans, plan de vida.
Downshift. A daily ritual that releases stress: prayer, a nap, a visit with friends.
The 80 percent rule. Stop eating when you are no longer hungry, not when you are full.
Plant slant. Beans are the cornerstone. Meat is eaten a few times a month.
Wine at five. A small amount with food and friends, in most zones.
Belong. Nearly all the centenarians interviewed were part of a faith community.
Loved ones first. Aging parents nearby, a committed partner, time with children.
Right tribe. A circle of friends whose habits are healthy.
Notice that only three of the nine are about food and only one is about exercise. Five are about how to live.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
LIFESTYLE FRAMEWORK — Power 9 is not a randomized, validated longevity prescription.Evidence grade (draft mapping)JClinical judgment / author synthesisPart 10, Q131 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.