"Blue zones" refer to places in the world where people live the longest.
Americans' focus on better health is centered mostly on exercise and food.
However, this is only a part of the equation in what makes a "Blue Zone", well.......Blue.
A more important factor that has been proven is social structure and sense of community - of belonging.
For example, on the Greek Island of Ikaria - a Blue Zone,
even antisocial personalities are taken in and payed attention to.
In other words, no one is alone.
There is little judgment.
In Okinawa Japan, there is far less cancer, dementia and cardiovascular disease than America,
most of which is attributed to strong social networks and more regular exposure to Vitamin D.
We haven't figured it out yet, America.
Be kind to one another.
Think before you "unfriend" someone on Facebook.
Rest before you react.
Make the horn on your steering wheel useless.
And for God's sake forgive a little.
And for God's sake forgive a little.
Read about the Blue Zones Project
for an interesting report on how and why people live past 100 years of age.
Also check out how happiness is measured across the globe - and how America scores on the Better Life Index.
Blue Zone of Sardinia, Italy
