🌿👩🏽‍🦳The power of community & purpose - By Jonathan Broekman

I was inspired after watching "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zone" on Netflix!

If you haven't watched it yet, you're missing out on something genuinely eye-opening. The people in these "Blue Zones" (characterised as geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy) have something magical about them, over and above their longevity! Their approach to life is simple yet profound, and after watching, I couldn't help but feel inspired to make some changes in my own life.

Your environment plays a crucial role in shaping your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In the Blue Zones, people live in harmony with their surroundings, and this connection to nature and community is clearly a significant factor in their longevity. 

No matter how connected you are to nature, it's a natural occurrence-your environment influences your habits, stress levels, and overall quality of life. Whether the natural landscape encourages outdoor activity or the supportive social networks promote that all-too-uncommon sense of belonging, your environment is incredibly significant. Creating a positive, nurturing space, both physically and socially, can be a robust foundation for a healthier, happier life.

But can we create a mini version of the Blue Zones in our own lives? I don't see how we can't.

The essence of community

It's not just about having people around; it's about having meaningful connections. Watching this, I realised how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle of life and forget the importance of nurturing relationships. The people in these zones aren't just living long; they're living happy and well, supported by a web of relationships that bring joy and purpose to their days.

Always have fun

Another key point that stood out is how much fun these centenarians have. Seriously, these folks are dancing, laughing, and enjoying life like they're still in their twenties. We all must take to heart the idea that having fun is crucial to living a long, healthy life. 

Whether playing cards with friends, going for a walk, or just laughing at a good joke, the people in the Blue Zones know how to enjoy the little things. It made me think about how often we let the stress of daily life overshadow the fun. After watching, I'm committed to making fun a priority again.

Never get angry, forgive easily

The ability to forgive and let go of anger was another powerful lesson. The people in the Blue Zones don't hold onto grudges. They forgive easily, understanding that holding onto anger only harms them in the long run. I was struck by how much peace these people seem to have, and it's clear that their ability to forgive is a big part of that. It made me reflect on how I handle conflict and emotions. I've decided to try and emulate this approach more in my life - focusing on what matters.

Have a purpose

Each person I saw in these Blue Zones has a purpose, something that gets them out of bed in the morning. In Japan called ikigai. Whether tending to a garden, spending time with grandchildren, or contributing to the community, they all have something that gives their life meaning. 

This sense of purpose is more than just a reason to wake up; it's a reason to keep going and living. It made me think about my purpose and how I can deepen it. Having a purpose isn't just about a career or a job; it's about having something that makes life worth living.

Eat wisely

Diet plays a significant role in the longevity of these communities. But it's not just about what they eat; it's about how they eat. They enjoy their food, eat moderately, and focus on plant-based diets with the occasional meat or fish. It's simple yet incredibly effective. I couldn't help but compare this to our fast-paced, often unhealthy eating habits. We could all benefit from taking a page out of their playbook - eating for fuel, health, enjoyment, and community.

Live more naturally

People live in harmony with their environment. They walk more, spend time outdoors, and engage in physical activity as part of their daily lives - not as an extra chore, but as a natural part of how they live. This resonated with me because it's so easy to spend all day indoors, attached to screens. After watching this, I've started to make small changes, like walking more and trying to spend more time outside. It's a simple shift that I believe will make a big difference.

Invest in your relationships

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the people in the Blue Zones invest in their relationships. They prioritise loved ones, family, friendships, and social connections. It's not just about being around people; it's about being truly present and engaged with those you care about. This was a huge takeaway for me. In a world where we're often too busy to make time for the people who matter most, the Blue Zone approach reminds us to slow down and invest in the relationships that bring us joy and meaning.

Watching "Live to 100" has genuinely inspired me to rethink how I'm living my life. It's not just about adding years to life; it's about adding life to years. The lessons from these remarkable communities are ones I plan to carry with me and incorporate into my daily routine. Whether fostering a stronger sense of community, having more fun, forgiving quickly, or living purposefully, I'm excited to start living a more Blue Zone-inspired life.

Stay connected,

Jonathan Broekman