Whether it is obesity and heart disease or gun violence and homelessness, over half of all deaths in the United States are preventable. American society is built on maximizing output instead of keeping people safe, happy, and healthy. Victims of their environment, the average American life expectancy is 77.28 years, falling below the average of hundreds of other highly developed countries. There are places around the world with life expectancies over 100, longevity hotspots called blue zones. Americans can learn from their main principles of moving naturally, having a positive outlook, eating healthy and connecting socially. Small changes to people’s daily lives can help people live up to 15 years longer.
The term “blue zone” was first assigned to Okinawa, Japan in 2004 by National Geographic explorer, Dan Buettner. Amazed by the lifespan and rumors of immortality of the inhabitants of this small Japanese island, he wanted to learn more about their lifestyle and if there were other places like it. In his research and travels, he found six blue zones with similarities in their location, specifically their proximity to the equator. Warmer weather allows for longer growing seasons and more time spent outside exercising or in social events. Statistically, these locations house some of the poorest people in the entire world, yet they are yielding prosperity in their number of centenarians. Most blue zones are geographically isolated, building self-sufficiency and tightly wound communities, as these locations seem to keep out some of the poisoning effects of modernization.
Many are aware of the issues surrounding many Americans’ sedentary lifestyles and fast-food diets, so how do blue zone locations counteract that? Instead of going to the gym, exercise is found naturally and consistently in their way of life.
“The way that communities, towns, and cities are built are not for people,” AP environmental science teacher Joshua Shipman said. “They’re built for cars.”
Vienna is working to counteract that as the number of sidewalks in the town steadily increases.
In terms of diet, 60% of the foods in America are unhealthy and processed, but natural foods are more expensive and harder to find. When in need of a cheap meal, Americans think of a burger or a slice of pizza, rather than beans, veggies or fruits which are staples of a good Mediterranean diet found in blue zones. There, the healthy choice is made the easiest.
Social interaction is a key part of longevity, yet, Washington DC has been named 2024’s loneliest city in America. While the 21st-century invention of smartphones has been used for communication all over the world, humans are dealing with isolation like never seen before. The lack of day-to-day human connection is affecting people’s attitudes, stress levels, and even sense of purpose. Blue zones find that families and friendships help people to destress. However, most Americans live far from their extended family members with most Madison students seeing elderly family members only 0-4 times a month. In blue zones, families are put first, and relaxation and a sense of community seem to follow.
While Americans have many faults, Dan Buettner finds that it is about the change of environment, not necessarily people’s minds that can impact a country’s future. The blue zone lifestyle is about making small changes in day-to-day lives like using public transportation or going for a daily walk; taking time to unwind and think; eating naturally, properly portioned foods and socially connecting, especially with family and friends.