25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 VI theSunday Special

H AVE you ever wondered why certain regions of the world have more centenarians, people who live to 100 and beyond? The secret isn’t in their genes but in their way of life. When American explorer and author Dan Buettner first identified the Blue Zones in 2006, the phenomenon quickly gained global attention. He travelled to ¿YH XQLTXH UHJLRQV WR XQFRYHU WKH VHFUHWV behind their remarkable longevity. This eventually led to collaborations with National Geographic and the release of his bestselling book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. But beyond the buzz of his ground breaking findings, these extraordinary places don’t rely on fad diets or digital distractions. Instead, they embrace sim plicity, mindfulness and harmony with nature. It’s a lifestyle that values com munity, purpose and balance. These are qualities that help residents thrive well into their later years. Okinawa, Japan, for example, is a slow paced paradise with pristine beaches and a culture that encourages people to savour every moment. It is one of the original ¿YH %OXH =RQHV ZKHUH ORQJHYLW\ LV GHHSO\ woven into daily life. In Costa Rica, locals practise the “ Plan de Vida ”, a philosophy centred around living with purpose and staying connected to the community. To visit a Blue Zone is to discover the true art of living. These regions are not just about adding years to your life, they are about adding life to your years. Ready to unlock the blueprint for a longer, healthier life? Pack your bags, immerse yourself in these timeless des tinations and learn how to live not just longer but better.

The Blue Zone effect: 5 places to travel for a longer, healthier life Could the simple act of unplugging and connecting be the secret to longevity? These places think so BY AQILAH NAJWA JAMALUDDIN

Okinawa, Japan Welcome to one of the world’s most elegant secrets to longevity: Okinawa. Crowned the “Longevity Capital of the World”, the art of graceful ageing here is woven into every aspect of daily life. Locals follow a wholesome, plant-based diet centred on sweet potatoes, tofu and an abundance of leafy greens – each known to nourish both brain and body with quiet brilliance. But the real magic lies in “ Hara Hachi Bu ”, an age-old Okinawan philosophy that encourages eating until you’re 80% full. It’s a practice rooted in restraint and balance, gently steering one away from excess. Beyond the plate, community is everything. Residents thrive in tightly knit social circles, often spending their days gardening, walking and connecting with one another in ways that foster purpose and vitality well into their golden years.

Sardinia, Italy Tucked within the rugged hills of Barbagia, Sardinia is quietly rewriting the rules of ageing, particularly for men. This sun-drenched Italian island boasts one of the world’s highest concentrations of male centenarians, where vitality is not just preserved but celebrated. Their dietary routine includes a no-fuss Mediterranean diet built on whole grains, fresh vegetables and sheep’s milk cheese, complemented by a modest pour of Can nonau, a local red wine rich in antioxidants and just the right touch of indulgence. But it’s not just about what they consumed. Daily movement is non-negotiable. Whether walking mountainous paths or tending to livestock, Sardinian men stay physically engaged well into old age, proving that strength and resilience can indeed age gracefully.