A blue zone is defined as a particular area of ​​the world with a high population of citizens who live 100 years or more and have come to represent areas of greater overall longevity. Loma Linda, California qualifies as a Blue Zone in part because of its strong incorporation of religion and a basic vegetarian diet rich in locally grown fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Nicoya, Costa Rica experiences a similar dietary benefit, regularly incorporating local corn, beans and fruits. Nicoya's environment itself provides the vitamins and nutrients needed for healthy living, such as calcium-rich water and abundant sunlight to boost vitamin D production. Sardinia, Italy, maintains its blue zone status through a of natural training based on miles of walking and light work, along with a balanced diet of vegetables, fruit, milk, bread, beans and regular glasses of wine. In Ikaria, Greece, the blue zone landscape also requires light work, such as fishing and farming, which provides regular and natural exercise for its residents. Although their diet is similar to that of Sardinia, the addition of honey substantially reduces the risk of disease. Okinawa, Japan's Blue Zone status, is attributable to the natural exercise generated through gardening and active walking, along with the abundance and year-round local access to vegetables, herbs and proteins. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The “Power of 9” refers to nine ways to improve longevity and quality of life naturally. These include natural movement, a sense of purpose, stress relief, a balanced and less busy diet, reduced meat consumption, regular wine intake, effective and positive social interaction, involvement in a religion centered on community and putting loved ones first. However, it is essential to balance the ways in which the Power of 9 is applied and implemented, spacing them out in a natural rhythm rather than applying most concepts at once or in a set scenario. Natural movement can easily be incorporated through a change in daily routes or gentle “self-disturbance.” The feeling of purpose being strengthened through self-actualization and recognition of one's goals and accomplishments. Stress relief falls into many application categories, such as spending time with loved ones or finding personal time in a day. Balanced diets that follow the “80% rule” are best implemented through the slow removal of individual, unnecessary staple foods rather than suddenly removing them all. Reducing meat consumption is easily implemented through establishing vegetarian habits, and a glass of wine a day before or after a meal will add an extra level of nutritional balance. Involvement in a community-centered religion can help in building healthy social relationships, providing a perfect environment for implementing social health. Putting loved ones first is a simple matter of rearranging the priorities and needs of daily life, resulting in effective strategies for focusing on those around us. My biological age, 17.5, is actually younger than my current age of 18.5. There is only a difference of exactly one year. My life expectancy is approximately 85.9 years, compared to my healthy life expectancy of 71.7 years. In this case, my overall life expectancy is higher. This information seems distorted and inaccurate, considering that diseasesgenetic and quality-of-life-altering conditions are not included. As someone who suffers from multiple mental illnesses, the test appears to directly associate feelings of anxiety and depression as “interchangeable,” rather than assuming that it is a medical condition that can and should be treated in various ways. Additionally, the test does not take into account other physically harmful diseases outside of a very specific range. There seem to be too many variables lurking to rely heavily on this information or even rate it as substantially accurate to begin with. The accumulated years add up to a positive number of 2.6 so far in my life. Overall, I'm surprised I got the years on, considering the damage that was done to my body by a past eating disorder. Although the test may indicate that dietary changes have improved my life expectancy due to low weight, the disorder in question has resulted in the development of anemia, a strong long-term decrease in appetite and the weakening/destruction of numerous body tissues. Therefore, I am unsure of my true accrued years, which may be substantially lower due to the damage done to my body. As for unrelated benefits, I regularly practice meditation and spiritual enlightenment, along with regular hydration and time spent in nature (or generally moving), which may have contributed somewhat. By making changes, I can potentially add 11.7 years to my life. While “emotional changes” are out of the question (since I am already taking medications and doing everything I can to regulate my mental state), I can balance my already vegetarian diet with more iron supplements and nuts, part of my meals which is certainly lacking. More vigorous exercise can and will be added in the future (I'm currently working on affording a gym membership), which will undoubtedly help my overall quality of life. Since I practice religion alone, I could potentially seek out a meditation partner if needed to enhance the religious aspect of my life. In summary, the aim and purpose of the Blue Zones Project is to extend natural and healthy living options to all areas of the world, regardless of location, to improve the overall quality of life of residents. The project aims to promote healthy methods of incorporating life-changing concepts into everyday subconscious actions. It is hoped that this project will lead to greater availability of the tools and tips needed for longevity and healthy living, while being affordable and accessible to those whose lifestyle cannot afford many changes. Five particular cities participating in the Blue Zones project include Fort Worth, Texas; Cedar Falls, Iowa; Albert Lea, Minnesota; Kauai, Hawaii; and Waterloo, Iowa. Currently, the city of Cedar Falls in Iowa has fully implemented the Blue Zones project in their local community. This implementation includes modifying restaurants, schools, individuals, groceries, and workplaces for a healthier living alternative. Using the city as an example, the specific objectives of the Blue Zones project become substantially clearer and easier to plan. Centurion environments primarily provide easy access, specific dietary foods, and healthy living conditions, all pushing them in the direction of longevity. The Health Ways project is working to achieve the same result in cities and communities nationally and internationally, altering daily choices and living conditions at a subconscious and hardly perceptible level for a gradual transition to a healthy life. Buettner believes that optimizing the environment of.