«Noeno one wants to think about death. But one thing is certain: we will all die. The question is: when?”. To ask the question is Dan Buettner, star of Blue zones: the secrets of longevityseries Netflix in 4 episodes that does not provide the elixir of life, but tries with all his might.
Blue zones: the secrets of longevitythe plot
Buettner is an explorer of National Geographicbestselling author, always fueled by great curiosity. At the beginning of the series, he stated that he didn’t want to be called a guru. He says he developed a love for nature thanks to his father and grandfather. After graduating, he broke three world records by cycling around the globe.
Once you reach your goal, look for new inspiration. He stumbles upon a WHO study on longevity. The longest living population on the planet is that of Okinawa. 1400 south of Tokyo, the inhabitants of the “Hawaii of Japan”, nicknamed the land of the immortals, easily exceed 100 years of age.
He embarks on a long journey that leads him to discovers the so-called blue zones, i.e. the territories where life expectancy is 100 years. In Okinawa meets Umeto Yamashiro, a 101-year-old lady who plays the banjo, eats healthy food, is surrounded by the love of family and is an incurable optimist. This example gives the hook for analyzing the lifestyle of the population. Few cases of diabetes and cardiovascular diseasethanks to a suitable lifestyle and correct nutrition.
Dan Buettner in “Blue Zones: The Secrets of Longevity”. (Netflix)
From Okinawa to Sardinia
He discovers, in fact, that the local diet is mainly composed of good imoa typhoon-resistant purple potato that is high in carbohydrates, fiber, and antioxidants. Then there are artemisia, tofu – «which reduces cholesterol and seems to slow down the progression of tumors» – and vegetables. Furthermore, in Okinawa there is a mantra: hara hachi bui.e. stop eating when your stomach is full. A fundamental rule to fight obesity.
Finally, physical activity and the affection of loved ones. Centenarians train the bodyoften working in the garden, and in doing so they strengthen the bone structure. They live surrounded by loved ones and are part of a community. In the United States, however, the sense of loneliness shortens the life expectancy by 15 years. Buettner does not want to avoid death, but to understand how to “learn to live life”.
Pietro Cabras, among the centenarians interviewed. (Netflix)
The journey moves to Sardinia. In 1999, the scholar Gianni Pes reported at an international conference a concentration of centenarians 10 times higher than in the United States. Every time he found a community he marked it with a blue dot. From here the definition of blue zones which gives the series its title.
In Barbagia he meets other centenarians very similar to the Okinawa lady. They lead an archaic, rural lifestyle. Their days pass between the kitchen for the preparation of lunch and dinner and the church. And them too they follow a diet rich in whole grains, fiber, legumes, to which bread and pasta are added. Furthermore, retirement homes are out of the ordinary structures. The elderly are looked after by the family. Once again, the concept of community returns.
Dan Buettner discovering Greece and comparing it with the United States
We move to the island of Ikaria, Greece, and Nicoya, Costa Rica. Here too, the high density of centenarians would seem to be linked to a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet. Finally, the last stop: United States. Episode after episode, Blue zones: the secrets of longevity maintains a constant confrontation with the USA. And yet, even the homeland of junk food holds surprises.
There is a small concentration of centenarians in Loma Linda, California. They are related to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, lead active lives, live within the community. In particular, they carry out voluntary work and play sports. Their diet consists mainly of cereals, fruit, legumes, vegetables and dried fruit.
At the end of his journey, Buettner wonders: “Can a new blue zone be created?”. And he talks about his experiment. Over the years she has noticed that centenarians are concentrated in territories with common characteristics. Good food, constant physical activity, family and community presence, an important religious belief. Healthy dining in a healthy body, so. And he has helped recreate blue zones in US communities, including Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Fort Worth, Texas. After some time, the new policies adopted have been shown to increase life expectancy by more than 3 years.
In the centre, Umeto Yamashiro, among the centenarians of the “Blue Zone”. (Netflix)
Blue zones: the secrets of longevityreview
Since the title, the series clearly shows its ultimate goal: to convince the viewer that a better life is possible. It does so by offering direct testimonials and comparing data, but also solutions. Rural society is healthier, happier, prevents disease and wins over the modern one. The question arises: Is the solution to go back to earth?
Before the final answer, Buettner takes another example: Singapore. Over 5 million inhabitants and a high population density. According to his research, the concentration of centenarians is also very high here. Merit of ad hoc policies that have improved the lives of the population and that put citizens’ health first.
So another life is possible? Obviously Buettner doesn’t have the solution in his pocket, but he offers a model of the perfect society, which could improve the quality and life expectancy of each. Food plays an important role, as does sporting activity and the presence of a strong and united community. In short, promotes the return to the concept of humanity.
Blue zones: the secrets of longevity it is a useful and interesting series, which removes the ugliness of today’s society through virtuous examples. A little oasis in the sea magnum of the frenzy of everyday life. An excess of optimism? Maybe, but perhaps dreaming of a better world is still possible.
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