Living Better, Longer: Lessons From the Blue Zones
Ready to live a happier, healthier, longer life?
In 2009, at age 48, I picked up Dan Buettner's The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest. The timing was perfect. By then, my wife and I had been living in Scottsdale, Arizona, since 1986, raising two energetic sons while building another small business.
Life was good, but stress was eroding my health. I needed a change. Let’s call the timing of the book's arrival divine.
Buettner’s research took him to places where people lived past 100, staying healthy and vibrant. He documented what made these communities—Okinawa, Sardinia, Loma Linda, Nicoya, and Ikaria—so special.
Turns out, the secrets aren’t secrets. They’re rooted in simple habits anyone can adopt. Here are the top three takeaways for me and millions of others:
Moving Naturally
Forget gym memberships. People in the Blue Zones keep fit by moving naturally—gardening, walking, cooking, and actively living.
I used to push my body hard through high-intensity sports until a severe lower back injury forced me to rethink everything. Inspired by Buettner’s findings, I embraced low-impact activities like walking, hiking, cycling, and stretching.
The result? Less pain, better sleep, and more energy.
Eating Wisely
I look at this habit as feeding myself wisely. It goes beyond food if we let it.
Buettner’s research emphasizes plant-based diets. Fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains are staples, with little meat or processed food. Despite its seemingly broad appeal, I enjoy meat-based protein, but I’m nowhere close to a carnivore diet.
Quitting alcohol in 2009 was a massive step for me. It cleared the mental fog and strengthened my resolve to eat better.
I also turned off toxic media and filtered negativity from my life. That alone was a game-changer, boosting my health and overall outlook.
We feed ourselves in more ways than one. Choose wisely.
Building Strong Connections
This habit was a big one for me. As a natural loner, I’m okay with being alone and with my family for long periods. It’s natural for me as a writer and visual artist.
However, the Blue Zones showed me how vital community is to health and happiness. It’s too easy to slip into an unhealthy, isolated comfort zone.
Genuine connection matters, whether through family, friends, or faith-based communities. There is ample evidence of that worldwide, and The Blue Zones research validates it delivering people living the way most of us might dream.
I consciously try to extend myself every day by building new connections, strengthening relationships, getting involved in local nonprofits, and filtering out unhealthy social media influences.
We don’t need to be criminologists to realize that solitary confinement is cruel and unusually harsh treatment, but we do it to ourselves.
Staying connected in the real world is essential for every community unless you live among the truest of trolls who dread the light of day and contact with the outside realms.
Scottsdale’s Blue Zones Project
Here's the exciting part: The Blue Zones Project is now in Scottsdale, my hometown. I recently met Maureen Aldrich, who’s on the marketing team.
The local team is helping make Scottsdale a healthier, more connected place. They’re working to improve walkability, encourage more nutritious food options, and build community networks.
It’s incredible to see these principles applied so close to home. I offered to contribute to the cause by writing about my experience. Why not help others live longer, healthier, happier lives?
I encourage you to learn more and get involved.
Want to Get Involved?
You can be part of the transformation. Visit Blue Zones Project Scottsdale or contact the local team to find out how you can join this powerful initiative. It’s all about creating a healthier life for yourself and your community.
Learn. Measure. Participate.
The best part? These habits aren’t complicated. They’re accessible to anyone willing to make small but meaningful changes.
The Blue Zones taught me that health and happiness come from living intentionally—moving naturally, eating wisely, and staying connected. It worked for me, and it can work for you.
I’m a writer, visual artist, brand builder, and long-time strategic small business guide. As the founder of BrandEquityPlaybook.com, I empower conscious solopreneurs, professionals, and small business owners to S.H.I.F.T. their brands and stories into higher gear.