25/05/2025

ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 theSunday Special VII

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica High in the heart of Costa Rica lies Nicoya, a sun-drenched peninsula where time seems to move more slowly and people live longer. The locals live by a quiet philosophy known as “ Plan de Vida ,” a deep-rooted sense of purpose that shapes their days and strengthens their spirits. This purpose is evident in the simplest routines: tending to gardens, riding KRUVHV WHDFKLQJ JUDQGFKLOGUHQ DQG YLVLWLQJ QHLJKERXUV ,W¶V D OLIH ¿OOHG ZLWK JHQWOH movement, meaningful connections and time spent under the sun, where endorphins ÀRZ DV QDWXUDOO\ DV WKH ZDUP FRDVWDO EUHH]H )UDPHG E\ OXVK UDLQIRUHVWV DQG YROFDQLF ODQGVFDSHV 1LFR\D R̆ HUV PRUH WKDQ MXVW D EHDXWLIXO EDFNGURS ime phy and ding QWOH hins DQLF

Loma Linda, California From an outsider’s perspective, Loma Linda might seem like just another quiet suburban city. But behind its modest appearance lies a unique lifestyle that sets it DSDUW 5HFRJQLVHG DV RQH RI WKH ZRUOG¶V ¿YH RULJLQDO %OXH =RQHV /RPD /LQGD LV KRPH to a thriving community of Seventh-day Adventists who live up to a decade longer than the average American. So, what is the secret? It comes down to a faith-centred approach to wellness. The Adventist lifestyle emphasises a plant-based diet, regular exercise and taking time to rest on the Sabbath. Many locals avoid alcohol, tobacco and heavily processed foods, choosing instead to nourish themselves with wholesome, natural meals. Activities such as walking, hiking and gardening are common, keeping both body and mind engaged well into old age.

Ikaria, Greece Greece is no stranger to tourists seeking an escape from the hectic pace of city life. 2IWHQ NQRZQ DV D GHVWLQDWLRQ IRU KHDOLQJ DQG PHGLWDWLRQ WKH UHJLRQ R̆ HUV IDU PRUH than just serenity. Perched in the Aegean Sea, Ikaria is a sleepy Greek island with D SRZHUIXO FODLP WR IDPH ,WV UHVLGHQWV OLYH VLJQL¿FDQWO\ ORQJHU WKDQ DYHUDJH DQG experience remarkably low rates of chronic disease. Here, locals embrace the unhurried rhythm of island life. Days are shaped by natural light, home-cooked meals are favoured over takeaways and afternoon naps are a cherished ritual. Physical activity blends seamlessly into daily life, whether through visiting neighbours, tending to vineyards or walking the island’s hilly terrain.

The Blue Zone lifestyle without leaving home To adopt this mindset, ask yourself: What gets me out of bed in the morning? Whether caring for your family, volunteering, mentoring others or learning something new, lean into it. Purpose doesn’t have to be profound – it just has to be personal.

simple gestures: share meals with loved ones, check in on neighbours, schedule regular cof fee dates or join a local club. It’s not the size of your circle but the depth of your connections that matters. Embrace rest, rhythm and rituals Chronic stress is one of the silent saboteurs of health. But in the Blue Zones, life moves more slowly, more deliberately. You don’t need to quit your job or move to the mountains to find calm. Incorporate micro-breaks into your routine. Step outside and breathe. Savour your tea. Take digital detox hours. Create a calming bedtime ritual. These moments of stillness aren’t indulgent, they’re vital. They allow the nervous system to reset and the body to repair, creating the conditions for long-term health. A global philosophy for a local life Blue Zones aren’t about geography, they’re about values. They reflect a deep respect for nature, food, movement, community and the quiet magic of ordinary days. You don’t have to change everything at once. Start by shifting just one habit, such as slowing down your meals, reconnecting with an old friend or going for a walk after dinner. Small, sustained changes can add years to your life and make life more enjoyable. Longevity isn’t a destination. It’s a journey, made richer with each step towards balance, connection and intention. So, take that first step. Your personal Blue Zone may be closer than you think.

WHAT if the secret to a longer, healthier life isn’t just about where you live, but how you live? The Blue Zones – Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya, Ikaria and Loma Linda have captured the world’s imagination for their astonishing number of centenarians. But not everyone can stroll the beaches of Costa Rica or nap in a Greek island village. The good news? You don’t need to live in a Blue Zone to benefit from their secrets. With thoughtful shifts in mindset, movement and meals, you can cultivate longevity from wherever you are. Find your ‘why’ – then live it daily Studies show that people with a strong sense of purpose live longer, are less prone to disease and recover faster from setbacks. e longer, are less prone to disease aster from setbacks.

But more striking is how food is consumed. In Okinawa, the “Hara Hachi Bu” principle encourages eating until 80% full. This built-in mindfulness helps curb overeating and fosters a healthier relationship with food. You can start small. Use smaller plates. Pause mid-meal. Listen to your body’s hunger cues. Eating with gratitude and awareness can transform every meal into nourishment, not just for the body but for the mind. Move naturally, not obsessively Forget punishing workouts or gym member ships. In the Blue Zones, physical activity is woven into the rhythm of daily life. Make movement a seamless part of your day rather than a “fitting in” exercise. Walk or cycle to run errands. Take the stairs. Stand while you work. Dance while you clean. Think of movement as a celebration of life, not a chore. The key is consistency. Moving frequently, even in low-impact ways, keeps your body limber, your mind sharp and your mood lifted. Prioritise connection and community Strong social ties are not optional in every Blue Zone – they’re essential. People are embed ded in tight-knit communities, supported by family and friends who share their values and rhythms. In our often-isolated modern lives, rebuild ing community takes intention. Begin with

Make a habit of aligning your daily actions with your purpose and you’ll begin to feel its grounding, energising effect. Eat with intention, not restriction One of the most powerful commonalities among Blue Zones is how people eat. Diets tend to be plant-based and rich in vegetables, beans, nuts and whole grains. If eaten, meat is consumed in small portions and on special occasions.