Longevity records thanks to several health changes.
To live for a long time, and especially in good health, the way of life counts as much, if not more, as genetics. It is the great teaching of the famous “blue zones”, these territories of the world where the inhabitants display an exceptional life expectancy and a remarkable state of health even after 90 years. For a long time, five areas have been identified: the province of Nuoro in Sardinia (Italy), the island of Ikaria (Greece), the island of Okinawa (Japan), the Nicoya peninsula (Costa Rica) and the city of Loma Linda (United States). But another territory now draws the attention of experts. Between 2010 and 2020, “The number of centenarians has doubled there” underlines Dr. Frédéric Lange in his book Reset: Health, Beauty, Vitality. (Re) Program your longevity naturally.
The secret of this new blue zone? A particularly proactive public health policy. “A whole bunch of public health initiatives have been launched to encourage residents to adopt better food: cigarettes and alcohol heavily taxed, compulsory nutritional labeling, reduction of the sugar content of drinks” explains the doctor. This country has also increased its number of green spaces for “Facilitate meetings and physical activity “privileged public transport to promote walking and reduces the isolation of the elderly who most often live with their families. “Access to care is universal, whether in prevention or treatment” adds the author.
But where is this model country in health and longevity? Several thousand kilometers from France … since it is Singapore. This small island of Southeast Asia located south of Malaysia is the new “blue zone” in the world. For Dr. Lange, “The key (of healthy longevity, note) lies in the benefit brought by a healthier lifestyle. (…) Choosing to change whatever your age is engaging a virtuous circle, far from the constraints perceived as a chore. Change is not a sacrifice but a real opportunity to feel good, durably”.
Concretely, the inhabitants of the blue areas have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes and complete cereals, poor in processed and ultra-transformed foods and foods rich in sugar, they do physical activity daily by walking, by cycling, gardening … They limit stress by practicing meditation, mindfulness and nap, they benefit from green spaces. And tobacco … everything to maximize the chances of being centenary.
