Blue Zone Culture

Dan Buettner, National Geographic and the National Institute on Aging researched areas known as blue zones – geographical areas that are known to inhabit people that live substantially longer than the global average. During their studies, they found some common denominators within each of the cultures they examined. In an effort to educate the general population with tips on how to live longer, Buettner and his associates reveal their findings to us through a lecture transcript called “How To Live To 100+.”

We can apply the principles found within the blue zone cultures to my community, located in southeast Stafford County, a.k.a. White Oak. The history of the area dates all the way back to the time of pilgrimage and Native American
Indian tribes, particularly the Patawomeck tribe, Pocahontas’ tribe. According to the website patawomeckindiantribeofvirginia.org, the native Indians, fearful of genocide, married into the Anglo Saxton population. Successfully, many of the traditions can be found in the White Oak area of Stafford County (para 20). Along with the rooted population of white oak, new suburb growth has penetrated the area, bringing with it a variety of culture. In an effort to acknowledge the traditions of the area, and to incorporate some habits of the blue zone cultures, I suggest that a fairly large portion of land be converted into a community ran farm; undoubtedly, members of the community farm would benefit from blue zone habits such as exercising, socializing and eating more plants and vegetables.

According to Buettner, “low-intensity” exercise assists members of the blue zone known as Sardinia to live longer (para 12).Furthermore, Buettner states that other small activities, such as biking to work, chopping wood, fishing and nature walks can all promote longevity (para 11, 21, & 25). Gardening and farming is filled with small low-intensity activity, from tilling the ground, to bending over and planting and picking the plants. There is also plenty of walking involved. In addition to longevity, walking can “stave off cognitive decline” (Buettner, para. 30)

Another habit blue zoners have in common is a strong social connection.
The people of Okinawa have close friendships with about six people (Buettner, para. 19). Also, Seventh-Day Adventists have strong social networks centered around God. (Buettner, para. 24). Contributing at a community farm would force people to interact. Not only would members be motivated to discuss tricks of the trade with each other, but they would also want to communicate to make sure everyone knows the plan. Relationships built at the farm might even generate deeper friendships or other social activities.

Finally, people that work a piece a ground to create a crop are probably going to like what they grew. Including these crops into their meals could help them to live longer, like the blue zoners. People in the Okinawa blue zone eat colorful vegetables (Buettner para. 16). Sardinians have a plant based diet (Buettner para. 12). Seventh-Day Adventists each eat plants because the Bible says to do so. (Buettner, para. 25).

Each individual partaking in the community farm can reap the benefits seen by the blue zone communities; namely, long and healthy lives. But moreover, theses individuals can become more in tuned with their surroundings and community, potentially creating a sense of peace within all of those
involved.