What the World’s Happiest Elders Teach Us About Aging Well

The word “aging” almost sounds negative because the modern world has made aging something that needs to be slowed, stopped, or reversed. It's unwanted. So, we do everything to stop it – from pumping our faces with chemicals, spending tens of thousands of dollars on cosmetic surgeries, to simply refusing to accept our age and trying to behave like nothing's happening.

But the thing is, not everyone gets to be old, and the ones that do are the ones that are blessed. Old age doesn't have to mean slowing down, it can mean thriving. You don't have a job, your kids are all grown up, and all you need to do is to live your life the way you want to.

Take a look at so-called Blue Zones (Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya Peninsula, Ikaria, Loma Linda), which are regions in the world where people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Researcher Dan Buettner and his team studied populations with unusually high numbers of people who are 100 years old (or even older), and found that there's something to learn from them.

Lessons from the Happiest Elders

Elders in Blue Zones live amazing lives, and it's not because of luck or because they've won the genetic lottery. They have habits and values that revolve around well-being.

Institutions and nursing homes should also take notes from these elders. Situations such as the Signature HealthCARE abuse and neglect violations wouldn't have happened if someone had paid a little more attention to how people should live.

1. The Power of Community and Belonging

This is one of the biggest factors that contributes to the elders being happy (or unhappy), and it makes perfect sense.

Most of humanity today suffers from loneliness and abandonment. Even though the world got smaller and more connected. Humanity as a people has become more disconnected than ever, This is especially true during old age. The world is too fast, and people don't have time. Because of this, older people tend to suffer more social isolation.

However, the situation is different among the population in the Blue Zones regions.

For instance, Okinawans have extensive enduring friendship groups known as ‘moai' which play an active role in their lives. Such groups offer a steady presence and assistance.

This reduces stress and makes people happier. Another great example is Sardinia, where elders live close to their families and relatives, so nobody gets left on their own.

Older adults are seen as mentors to younger members of the family and they stay socially engaged all the time.

2. Life with a Purpose

In Blue Zones, elders live with intention and each day has a purpose. This is known as “ikigai” in Okinawa and it translates to “reason for being.”

The purpose comes from simple roles, like taking care of grandchildren, tending to a garden, or volunteering in the community. Can you notice the common denominator in all these activities? It's meaning. These roles are meaningful as much as they are simple.

Feeling responsible makes elders stay active and engaged, which improves mental health. If they have a purpose, they feel like they are contributing something to their families and society.

3. Nutritious Diet

Everybody knows that a healthy diet goes a long way, but it's especially obvious with the elders in Blue Zones. People in Blue Zones have mostly plant-based diets rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Meat and processed foods are rare.

In Ikaria, for instance, meals are made from greens that are locally grown, as well as beans, and olive oil; all of which are excellent for heart health and cognitive function. Approach to eating matters, as well; and in Blue Zones, people eat together, and they don't rush their meals, but instead take their time in order to enjoy the meal to the fullest.

4. Staying Active

In Blue Zones, people don't just work out, they stay active as part of their daily lives. They garden, walk to their neighbors' houses, do chores, etc. Although this type of work isn't overly strenuous/exerting, it still promotes active movement which is very beneficial for your mobility and the health of your cardiovascular system.

In Nicoya in particular, elders tend to their farms and handle physical work well into their 80s and 90s. This is a big difference compared to what most people are used to, which is elders leading sedentary lives and staring at TVs. Physical activity has to be a normal part of your day to stay healthy. If you can jog, great; If not, take a walk.

Nursing homes should pay more attention to this and it would be a good idea to have gardens, walking paths, and programs which promote activity so that their residents are and stay happy.

5. Stress Management

The elders found in Blue Zones are wise and could be considered masters of stress management. And with less stress comes a better life. For instance, in Ikaria, elders (over 90) have a daily practice called ‘mesimeri', which means “quiet time” in Greek, and it refers to a midday nap a few hours after lunch (between 2 and 5 PM). In Okinawa, for example, people engage in gratitude moments and silent reflection.

All of this is part of everyday life, not something you do once in a while. These practices lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which is excellent for both physical and mental health.

Conclusion

You're now probably thinking of moving into one of the Blue Zone areas. And, while that's possible, it may not be the most practical choice. The good news is that you can adopt their way of life and live like that – starting right now.

Of course, your mind will find excuses and tell you that you can't do this or that, but the fact is, the elders in Blue Zones have mastered ‘life'. And if they can do it, so can you.

Learn from them, change your life little by little, and you'll be gardening and dancing in your 90s, too.