Ned Potter is the science correspondent for ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson." He has reported on such topics as space exploration, the human genome and climate change.
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How to Live Longer
January 18, 2007 7:12 PM
We've done a story today for World News that I must say I found fascinating and encouraging: where in the world do people live the longest? And why?
It's become a cause to a fellow named Dan Buettner, who has many years before he has to worry about longevity himself. He's in his mid-forties.
But in 2005 he wrote a piece for National Geographic about places in the world where, if people reach middle age, they live seven to ten years, on average, longer than others nearby. And they're good years. “I just became obsessed with finding out what it is that helps these people,” he said when we first talked.
Buettner is not a scientist, but he's recruited scientists to work with him in doing research and spreading the word on what they find. He's a self-styled adventurer, a guy who bicycled from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to the tip of South America.
He's now identified four "Blue Zones"--so called because demographers marked them in blue on maps--where people seem to do well: in Costa Rica; the Mediterranean island of Sardinia; the Japanese island of Okinawa; and Loma Linda, California.
We've posted a fuller story HERE. And you can see the video HERE.
What are people in those places doing right? No one thing--Buettner cites an "a la carte menu" of about eight elements that seem to contribute to longer, fuller lives.
Healthy older people in his hot spots report they feel a sense of purpose...have a network of friends and family for support...tend to be religious...drink wine in moderation...eat fruits and vegetables but little meat...stay active...eat small portions and avoid obesity.... Many of these are familiar.
If you want to live longer, do you have to move to one of those places? Hardly, but perhaps one can adopt some of their habits. And Buettner says one doesn't have to follow all of them; there's a mix that will work for each of us.
(He asked me to mention that he got funding from National Geographic and Allianz Insurance. Having met others who rely on grants, I consider it an honorable request.)
With help from the University of Minnesota, Buettner offers an online quiz you can give yourself. Give it a look; it's HERE.
January 18, 2007 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (7)
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I saw your report yesterday evening on WN and was expecting the usual story about the Russian goatherders who eat only yogurt and who live to be over 100. I was glad to have my expectations dashed! I've always maintained that someone's overall health is dependent on many things and not just diet and exercise. Mr. Buettner's research shows how a holistic approach--and where to live--make a significant difference.
Posted by: chuck | Jan 19, 2007 8:35:42 AM
I visited the official web site for Costa Rica on google and it has a wonderful selection of recipes we can make here at home. just in case it is the food.
good articles.
Posted by: Jayedee | Jan 19, 2007 11:22:37 AM
It states unable to connect to data base. I would really love to finish this test so could you please fix it. Thank You. Diana Lynn Kuch
Posted by: Diana Kuch | Jan 19, 2007 11:48:25 AM
trying to learn more about a story i heard bits and pieces about this morning on your newscast has been a rediculously pathetic experience. screw your links and website generally. back to nbc for me!
Posted by: dale hughes | Jan 19, 2007 12:16:37 PM
I finished the test but it did not last on the screen for me to see my results. Could you please give me the info so I can see my results and to make some major changes in my habits. Thank you.
Posted by: sbauer | Jan 21, 2007 5:54:04 PM
Note from Ned--
I'm sorry, again, to see folks having trouble with the links. I'm putting up a new post on it. Meanwhile, try the link again, please. It's...
Posted by: Ned Potter | Jan 21, 2007 9:11:14 PM
I grew up in a place where we planted ou own food and I have eaten what we have now to to term as "organic" all my life. Apart from which we have always used home made solutions to aches and pains out of spices and herbs as well as for general household cleaning. So when I moved here to the US and was exposed to processed foods etc... not only did it all taste strange i.e: bad, but it also was quite expensive to constantly buy food and prepare meals out of a box. My family fished, gardened and raised chickens that ate grass and dried corn.....and I can't imagine not having access to that.
Today I am an advocate for backyard gardening and for promoting good health through food and through eco-friendly cleaning products and basic medicines as well as cosmetics. I applaud bluezones for finally bringing this amazing wealth of information to light.
I haven't done the test yet, but I think that I will do just great!
Posted by: christynsmom | Jan 26, 2007 12:25:51 PM
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