The Blue Zone: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest: Lessons for Living Longer, Better

by Dan Buettner

LESSON ONE: MOVE NATURALLY Be active without having to think about it Longevity all-stars don’t run marathons or compete in triathlons; they don’t transform themselves into weekend warriors on Saturday morning. Instead, they engage in regular, low-intensity physical activity, often as part of a daily work routine. Male centenarians in Sardinia’s Blue Zone worked most of their lives as shepherds, a profession that involved miles of hiking every day. Okinawans garden for hours each day, growing food for their tables. Adventists take nature walks. These are the kinds of activities longevity experts have in mind when they talk about exercising for the long haul. “The data suggests that a moderate level of exercise that is sustained is quite helpful,” says Dr. Robert Kane.

lesson 1