Life Lessons From Another Blue Zone

Hi everyone!

I hope you all were able to get some relaxation in this weekend. My wife, Ari, and I just got back another trip to Sardinia, Italy. Her grandparents live on this beautiful island and we try to visit every summer. Sardinia is a Blue Zone —a region where people live significantly longer, healthier lives than anywhere in the world.

This was my third visit to Sardinia and my second time exploring a Blue Zone (I’ve also been to the Costa Rican Blue Zone). Each visit leaves me more inspired by the simple yet profound lifestyle choices that contribute to these regions' remarkable life expectancies.

What is a Blue Zone?

Blue Zones are are scattered across the globe, including places like Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Icaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; and, of course, Sardinia, Italy. Researchers study these zones to uncover the secrets of longevity, often finding common factors such as a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, strong community ties, and a sense of purpose.

Ari’s Grandmother - the LEGEND - Nonna: A Testament to Resilience and Joy

During our visit, we spent time with my wife’s grandmother, "Nonna," who embodies the spirit of Sardinian longevity. Nonna is 89 years old, blind due to macular degeneration, and a two-time breast cancer survivor. Despite these challenges, she radiates life. She works out at the gym several times a week with a personal trainer who's 70 years younger than her, walks everywhere, cooks delicious meals, and tends to her garden. Nonna’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and a positive outlook.

Even though Nonna and I don't share a common language, our bond is strong. Watching her interact with the world around her, I see firsthand the benefits of staying active, engaged, and connected with loved ones.

5 Lessons from Nonna's Life

1. Stay Active: Nonna’s routine includes regular exercise, whether it's at the gym or through daily walks. Daily movement and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle are CORNERSTONES of longevity, helping to maintain muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and overall well-being. I cannot express how important this is. Studies show that exercise doesn’t need to be some extreme Cross Fit work out. 20 minute walks, bike rides, or swims most days of the week is perfect!

2. Eat from the Earth: Her diet consists largely of foods that grow from the ground and sea, following the Mediterranean Diet. I’ve covered this diet in videos and my newsletter before, and I’ll link a video HERE. As a reminder, a Mediterranean Diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and healthy fats and is a common thread among Blue Zones, supporting both physical and mental health.

3. Cultivate Connections: Nonna’s strong ties with family and friends are evident in her daily life. It seems like she’s always catching up with a friend on the phone and she FaceTimes me and Ari once a week. Social connections are CRUCIAL for mental health and have been shown to increase lifespan.

4. Embrace Challenges: Despite her blindness and past battles with cancer, Nonna faces life with a resilient spirit. Her attitude towards adversity is a powerful lesson in resilience.

5. Find Joy in Simple Pleasures: Whether it's cooking, gardening, or spending time with loved ones, Nonna finds joy in everyday activities. I truly believe that Nonna’s appreciation for life’s simple pleasures is one of the reasons that she has been able to live such a long and happy life.

The Takeaway

Visiting Sardinia and spending time with Nonna reminded me of the importance of these simple yet impactful lifestyle choices. It’s not just about living longer, but about living better—finding joy, staying active, and nurturing our relationships. I hope Nonna’s story inspires you as much as it did me.

Have an amazing week. Talk to you all soon.

Jake

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Disclaimer: This e-mail message and any content attached to it are for educational and informational purposes only, and nothing herein is intended to be, or shall be construed as, medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice. Any reliance on such information is expressly at your own risk.

This Week’s Sources: 

- Buettner, D. (2008). The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest.

- Pes, G. M., & Tolu, F. (2016). Health and longevity in the Blue Zones of Sardinia. Annals of Human Biology, 43(5), 381-391.