If I needed an excuse, which I really don’t, I would pack my stuff (well, my two suitcases that are currently with me in NY) and head to Sardinia, Italy immediately.  Next stop, Blue Zone!

NYFA-sardina.jpg (JPEG Image, 280x187 pixels)

HowStuffWorks.com posted this:

“Where are these blue zones, and what are their inhabitants doing to gain a better chance of reaching 90, or even well past the age of 100? Is it medicine, genetics or lifestyle that determines blue zone life expectancy?”

Blue Zone Places

Although all are located in far-off corners of the world, members in each location’s population have a higher chance of reaching a healthy age 90 than anywhere else on Earth.

  • Okinawa, Japan
  • Sardinia, Italy
  • Loma Linda, Calif.
  • Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Blue Zone Values (And how I stack up against them!)

“…nine commonly known tips that are a part of every blue zone culture… “

  • Move naturally (well, I certainly move a lot!)
  • Cut calories (eh, think I’m alright here.) (Aside from the two pounds of pepper jack cheese I ate with my salad today)
  • Avoid meat and processed foods (done! yes! check!)
  • Drink alcohol, especially red wine, in moderation (um…define moderation…)
  • Maintain a positive outlook on life (um…define positive…) (kidding. that was sarcasm. darn! that must not be positive! #fail!)
  • Reduce stress (#FAIL)
  • Belong to a community (facebook?)
  • Keep family first (Done! Except that this weekend is Father’s Day and I’m across the country for work… *sigh*)
  • Surround yourself with people who have similar blue zone values (ummm….hmmm)