The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest
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The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest
$26.00
Linda Miller –
This book was recommended reading by my physician. It is a great look at centenarians around the world and their lifestyles and diets. It is an easy read and very interesting. The most interesting aspect of their lives was always having a purpose. They always had a place in the family and community.
jack wagon –
Great read on topic.
Nola Woodbury –
A very readable exploration of the pockets of civilization where people live to be over 100 years old… And they are vital and still engaged in life. It boils down to simple steps we can all take to live longer, with joy and good health.
Nancy Payne –
It was so cool to read the in depth studies of these areas of the world with the greatest population of centurians. I want to be one! So reading about the simplicity and enjoyment they have in life from the basics like hard work, fresh, good food, family connections and support….and to know that these people have been able to live so long and see so much and share so much wisdom is absolutely INSPIRING!
Paul –
Dan wrote a book full of people’s experiences and the patterns of life that brought longevity then added a section for ‘ the rest of us’. I enjoyed it and have suggested it to friends/family.
Alan –
I heard Dan Buettner speak at the Capital Blue Cross sponsored seminar. I thought since the seminar was billed as “Blue” Zone that it would be about a new “Blue Cross” marketing campaign. Imagine my surprise when I heard about the Blue Zones- where people not only live Long Lives, But LONG HEALTHY LIVES. A must read if you want to improve your chances for a Healthy longevity. Share it with family and friends.
bg –
A well written book about a subject we should all care about. The thorough research is explained and presented in a way that draws you to the end of the book. Giving you the information to start striving for a positive and healthy life and, possibly a longer one. The only issue I have with the content is the comment that running marathons may harm joints. I have never seen any research that has found this to be the case. I also recommend the blue zones web site. There, you can learn more about healthy living.
Jingle –
I enjoyed this book and its layout… both by geographic area, then the gray highlight boxes for quick review. It is a “fast read” but also contains interesting interviews with the people.Though some of the common denominators (like exercise, a purpose in life, fresh veggies) could be called common sense, I think we need to be reminded of them from time to time.There was food for thought as well: in one area it was noted that policemen and teachers did not live but a few years past retirement…. the reason given was that they had lost their “purpose” in life or their reason for living. People tended to live longer if they stayed in the family home with the family and helped care for the grandkids etc.
V. K. Kutsch –
I recently heard Dan Buettner give a keynote address at a wellness meeting I was attending. I found the topic very interesting, went home and purchased the book. Every American should read this book. The healthcare crisis we face today is due in a large part to lifesytle decisions and behaviors. Dan describes the communities of centennarians and describes the common features of their lives, which gives you a pretty clear picture of how to live healthier, and live healthier longer. It’s well written and a very interesting read.
Angela Toney-Fishbaugh –
One of the finest collections of countrues of peoples of long life.
Jay –
This review is based on the audible audiobook.I was not expecting much from this book at all, and I was pleasantly surprised. For one, I had just finished “The China Study” and “The Jungle Effect: Healthiest Diets from Around the World,” by Daphne Miller, both of which were excellent. For another, the book was published by National Geographic, and for some reason I figured it this was more mainstream and would be a watered-down, feel good book for Americans. However, I was totally wrong and this book was honest, hard-hitting, and also excellent.In fact, “Blue Zones”, “The China Study” and “Jungle Effect” are extremely complimentary to each other. Part of the reason for this is that “The China Study” just focuses on a few areas geographically (granted, they are big areas), while “The Jungle Effect” and Blue Zones add other areas to the mix, with some overlap and some new geographical areas between the latter two books.One small issue with “Blue Zones” is that it focuses on centenarians. While it does touch on this some, an important thing to understand is that even if people aren’t living to be 100-plus, the people in these areas have incredibly less degenerative disease than typical Americans do. What that means is that while they aren’t disease free, the people in these “blue zones” have less cancer, heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory-related disease, etc.In fact, these areas of health are often isolated areas in regions where the same ethnic populations have higher disease rates similar to western countries. For example, in both “The Jungle Effect” and “Blue Zones,” the authors often reached modern destinations populated with fast-food restaurants and all the things that go along with more affluent living, including western diseases. To get to the really healthy people, they had to travel outside these areas. But what this shows is that clearly it isn’t just a matter of genes. Within the same ethnic groups, those that ate like westerners, had diseases of affluence, while those that ate the “old” ways, were living healthily into their eighties, nineties and on.The neat thing is that among these people, from China to Costa Rica, a very clear pattern emerges. While almost every single group ate meat, they usually did so only on special occasions and holidays, and as more of a side dish than the main course. For example, the first centenarian interviewed in “Blue Zones” only ate meat on Sundays.In fact, between three books, the diets were almost identical, give or take a small difference here or there, and only one group examined in any detail was vegetarian, which was the Seventh Day Adventist in America.Among the groups that did eat a lot of animal products, as some in “The Jungle Effect” did, it was because they lived in geographically harsh conditions where it was impractical to grow vegetables and eat them directly. People in these areas were forced to get their nutrition second-hand through the animals they ate. The key point to understand is that these animals were not eaten in the way typical Americans eat them. The meat or fish was usually wild, and they ate the whole animals, organs and all.It is funny how this information can be viewed, and clearly there is a pattern to be viewed, and researchers overlay information onto the subject which was not actually present in the data. For example, Dr. Weston Price viewed this same evidence first hand, and yet somehow, his foundation focuses only on the groups which ate a lot of animals, regardless of the fact that Americans did not eat meat in the same way these groups did, nor was the meat of the same quality, nor did Americans put the same amount of effort into preparing the meat.In The China Study, T. Colin Campbell viewed the same information that Dr. Weston Price viewed, and advocated veganism, regardless of the fact that the vast majority of the people he studied ate animal products during special events, celebrations, and holidays. To Dr. Campbell, all disease was related to diet, as well,despite the fact that there is a clear evidence that there are other causes for disease. Lack of exercise, sunshine, etc., for example, can all cause disease.So it appears there is some danger in getting all your information from one source, but between these three books, a sort of balance starts to emerge and a picture is painted…one that clearly shows that health is a package deal, and here are the items in the package:1) Move naturally. 2) Have a purpose. 3) Have a stress shedding strategy. 4) Stop eating when your stomach is 80% full. 5) Eat a plant-based diet. 6) Drink 1-2 drinks per day (preferably Sardinian Cannonau wine). 7) Belong to a faith-community. 8) Put loved ones first and 9) Hang with a tribe that has healthy attributes.Also, one of the important things that “Blue Zones” adds to the debate is that in Costa Rica, government records were examined to verify the ages of the centenarians. This is important because no matter the amount of effort and documentation that went into “The China Study”, some simply dismiss the entire book as lies by the Chinese people. With this verification in “Blue Zones” the opportunity to simply dismiss it in this manner goes right out the window.You know, despite all the information we have, people still smoke and do drugs, so just having this information available does not mean that everyone would follow it. But these three books should be read by everyone, so that at least when they get cancer or heart disease, they understand why they got sick and not try to blame God.
Meir Pear –
The lessons form the Blue Zones are a confirmation to what many in my field of clinical nutrition have known for decades. Diet and lifestyle changes can extend our lives while improving our quality of life and lowering healthcare costs dramatically (by at least 30%). What a powerful combination of benefits… Please don’t ignore this message and pass it along.
Susan Sarver –
Not only was this a very interesting topic, it was an informative and something everyone should consider if they would like to live longer. I am going to try to incorporate some some of the lessons into my lifestyle. It should be easy enough to walk a few more step daily or eat a little healthier.
Elise –
This book was really an eye-opener! It has inspired me to change some of my not-so-healthy habits. This is the only body I’ve got, and now that I’ve reached middle age, I realize I need to work some more on the upkeep!Highly recommended for anyone who cares about health and longevity.
Jaycie L. –
MUST READ!1. It stimulates your mind in a new perspective.2. The author has unique stories from around the world that make you feel like you’re apart of something.3. If you’re trying to stay young forever, (who isn’t?), then read this.
Sam nChicago –
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was written very factually as one would expect from a journalist. It was backed up by theories from doctors the author consulted. The author really did try to do a good job of sticking to the facts on how the centenarians lived to be so old and communicating that info to the reader.The things that primarily stuck with me were that as the author stated, there wasn’t a grump in the bunch! I’m sure this can’t be show scientifically, but I tend to believe a positive attitude is a good beginning to a long, happy life. The centenarians were such characters and lovable people. Even if I hadn’t learned a thing from this book (which I definitely did), the people alone would have been enough to keep me reading it! The people in Okinawa alone had seen so much in their life times!Other interesting facts pointed out in the book is that most of the centenarians drink a little alcohol daily, spend much time with family and friends, don’t eat that much protein, or too many calories, and they all have a strong belief in a “higher power”. I also loved how one Costa Rican described their work ethic. They work enough to keep the devil at bay but not so much they stress out! Talk about a great balance or as Buddhists would say, middle path.
Ravi Gupta –
Overall this book was fantastic. This book was referred to in a TED talk ([…]), and that was a joy to watch the author speak.Through this book some changes have entered my life.1. Veganism while not explicitly mentioned as a diet for all, the idea that a majority plant diet is beneficial to us. ([…])2. Sleeping almost, if not 8 hours a day. Through sleeping an adequate amount work has flowed better, and there is more energy throughout the day.3. Manual habits – My apartment is furnished with an air mattress (temporary), and a stool. Living without comforts force me to get up. Also only having few dishes forces me to wash them each time they are used.4. Less attachment – While also not explicitly mentioned, many of these cultures didn’t own much in material goods. At some point your goods own you, rather than the other way around.5. Being more social – Also mentioned is being more social through the community. This is one that has been a struggle but something that is a work in progress.Please read this book if given the change. It may not change your life, but more you know, the better a decision you can make.
C. Mehta –
I saw Dan Buettner give a talk as the keynote speaker for the Gerontological Society of America last November. He joked during the talk that he was going to tell us everything the book said, so although we should buy the book, we probably weren’t going to. That was my original plan, until I realized that it might be a useful book to assign in the adulthood and aging class I am teaching.After reading the whole book, I would say that it was worth the $8! It is an accessible book, certainly suitable for undergraduates, and really highlights some of the main factors associated with longevity. As a some time gerontologist, there was part of me that wanted a more information on the research that was undoubtedly conducted while the author was recording his interviews. However, I know that I can find this information elsewhere, and that this book is really a nice overview of what we can learn from others in the world.Overall an enjoyable read. I definitely recommend it for those interested in improving their own health and aging as well as students looking for a light read on successful aging. I would also recommend the book to start off a gerontology class focusing on successful aging.
Theresa Kelly –
It was well-written and easy to understand. I would recommend it to anyone who cares about their health. It is an excellent analysis of the Blue zones – the pockets around the world where the longevity factor exceeds the places even close by. I think it is very helpful, interesting and can show people what is happening in our everyday life that shortens it.
Mike Bowling –
The book is very insightful, enjoyable to read, and life-changing. If you want to learn ways to improve your health, and increase your chances for living longer, get this book.
J.K. Turner –
My Rating – Must ReadLevel – Easy read, medium length, but reads quicklySummaryBlue zones, so named because while researching the first one, a blue circle was drawn around they area under discussion, are areas in the world where people live the longest. Not only do they live longer, but live better as centenarians (100 year olds) then many people much younger do in other parts of the world.The book takes us through the four blue zones, and shares interviews, history, diets and other fact about the life of the people who live there. The four blue zones are – Sardinia, Okinawa, Loma Linda (California) and Costa Rica. They have since discovered another one in Greece.The final chapter gives the tips they found in common in all the blue zones so that you can create your own ‘blue zone.’• Move Naturally – Everyone studied for the book was extremely active. They walked miles a day, gardened, etc. His point is no one has to run marathons or become powerlifter, you just need to move often.• Hara Hachi Bu – A phrase said by the Okinawans before every meal reminding them to eat until they feel 80% full. Calorie restriction has been shown to be very important in longevity.• Plant Slant – With the exception of the Adventist in Loma Linda, no one was a vegetarian. However, they all ate meet rarely, anything from once a week to only a few times a year.• Grapes of Life – Wine. It plays a big role for the Sardinians and the Okinawans drink Sake, but the others consumed no alcohol. Either way, studies have shown a drink or two a day, especially of wine is beneficial to your health.• Purpose Now – Having a sense of purpose, or a reason to get up in the morning, something that drives you.• Down Shift – taking time to relax, meditate or slow down and enjoy life.• Belong –To a community, but a part of something bigger than yourself. Religious communities, regardless of which one, have been shown to help people live longer.• Loved Ones First – Relatedly, take time to cultivate relationships and spend time with friends and family. Prioritizing social life is something we really fail at in America.• Right Tribe – People who share common goals and healthy lifestyle. Many studies have shown that who you hang out with has a huge impact on your lifestyle. Have an obese friend increases your chances of becoming overweight. Seek people who have the same above traits in mind.My ThoughtsThings like this are utterly fascinating to me. Both of my granddads are currently 91 years old and show only a few signs of stopping. Much of their life has included most of the traits. Modern America has us moving further and further away from these things. We eat lots of cheap, processed food. We don’t spend much time with friends or family. We do not rest often. We don’t move. I’m currently writing this at my desk, I spend far too many hours a day sitting at a desk and wondering how I can move.Adopting as much of the Blue Zone lifestyle will not only help you to live longer, but the time you do spend will be better and healthier.(…)
Maryanne C. Mitchell –
I loved the book “Blue Zones”. It provided lots of tips to living longer. I found the centenarians interviewed to be quite interesting characters. Discovering what they all had in common seemed to be exciting work. I have developed a love of old people and have a new found respect for their wisdom. Realizing that I have some things in common with the centenarians in the book made me very happy. The author and his team were very thorough in their studies. I still have more questions myself, but feel that “Blue Zones” gives the reader a clear picture of what is instrumental in increasing longevity.
Hamilton Donald –
The book is excellent: informative and entertaining. The audio version is lacking the chapter on Ikaria.
Mark –
A very good book, but the author isn’t the type of person I would want around my elderly parents; he just seemed to be the type of aggressive personality that these types of blue zones insulated themselves against. In a way, you could sense the difference in cultural output from Dan’s America (I’m an American btw) verses these so called Blue Zones.
Sara Spoerri –
I have been using the information presented in this book with people I work with as a nurse in a local YMCA. It has helped to pin-point lifestyle issues that impact all of us. It’s written clearly and helpfully.
Judy –
One of the most interesting books I have read in the history of people who have lived to old ages and retained their health and vigor! I would invite all to read this book and to glean simple ways to grow old healthfully.
Art Rios –
Great read, loved the summaries, very informative and easy tips to follow. Great addition to your library, good author and book.
One Happy Retiree –
For anyone who wants to understand the multiple paths to a long and healthy life this is the book. Fascinating account of places on our planet where centennarians are not unusual … and why.
pete tarka –
I enjoyed reading this book. It’s comforting to know where I live is likely going to decrease my overall happiness and life span. I’d move to Sardinia Italy but then I wouldn’t be happy because I wouldn’t have a job because I don’t speak Italian
Old dog adopter –
Have bought this book many times to share. Everyone takes something away from it.
Amazon Customer –
Why is this not compulsive reading at high school. It’s not about living for ever, but about getting the most out of every day. I quote this book all the time.
Amazon Customer –
Great book, takes the approach of living a healthy life holistically. Obviously includes information about diets but has some surprising findings that it explains as well. Does a nice job of showing the differences and similarities of all blue zones. It inspired me for sure
Liza Smith –
Perhaps anytime should be the right time, but I am an older father with a 3-year-old son. I want to live longer with him and his mother, have the energy to actively engage and enjoy his family, hopefully. And, I want him to learn to live a fuller, healthier life, not deceived by the trappings of an artificial world.To me, Blue Zones highlights a precious and rare quality of authenticity, in how we eat, engage, exercise and most importantly, love.
Amazon Customer –
Excellent book, a real revelation on keeping and eating healthily. Interesting tour of several pocket areas where people live actively into their 90s and over 100. Good lifestyle changes recommended, easy and workable. Dan Buettner is an engaging writer, I shall watch for his next books.
online shopper –
A written documentary of Beuttner’s travels with his NG team visiting the people in his currently and scientifically identified long living blue zones. The vignettes and insights into their lives at a personal level are informative and very readable.
Miss Daisy P. –
This is a Very interesting book. It really make you think about changing you life style. This book is very informative and eye opening I have begun to make changes in the way I eat. I am try to use less and less sugar. I have given up diet drinks and I’m drinking more water daily. I am eating healthier meals. This book my change my life and help me live longer. I recommend it to all.
David Bertapelle –
Blue Zones was fascinating. As I am getting older, I enjoyed learning some of the “secrets” of living a healthy life, for whatever length of time I will live. I would rather live longer with fewer disabilities, than live a shorter life with the risk of increased disability. It is all about choices. Thanks for the insights.
jan IA –
Would recommend everyone in the world to read this book. It is so interesting. Couldn’t put it down. If you are going to read any kind of ” self help” book make this the one you read.
CSSCoaching –
I loved reading this book. After hearing Dan speak in person I was moved to learn more. He not only covered the facts and the ideas well he did something amazing.Dan has share with everyone the culture and the passion for living the centurions have. He connected us with their lives and made us want to meet them, experience their lives and get up and make our selves examples for future generations.Thank you for sharing these human stories and going beyond the statistics of living to enjoying life. I have purchased the book (as well as Thrive) for myself and company.
JC –
Not a diet book. This book gives you workable life changes that are simple and easy to add to your daily life. No major changes, pick and choose which idea’s work for you. I wish I’d read it when it first came out. I’d be in better shape now.
J. Petersen –
This book is entertaining and full of wisdom with no preaching. It is also not a fad diet kind of book. The findings are presented with scientific evidence and the author is very honest and willing to say that there is a correlation between certain things but no proof (when that is the case). I’ve already started making some of the diet changes and after 3 weeks feel great. I am 36 and, like most Americans, overweight with borderline high blood pressure and cholesterol. When I compare my life to these case studies where I can improve really stands out in a way that makes me want to get better. I’ve honestly been a little afraid of growing old up until now but the people in this book show that if I make changes now I can be healthy and active well into old age. One lady featured was well over 100 and still lifted weights and road an exercise bike for 30 minutes every day. Amazing.
Dora –
I saw on television about the blue zones where people are living longer and why, and I knew Amazon would have this book at a reasonable price. You must know how milions of us depend on Amazon for everything we need. I purchased the paperback edition so I can refer to it easily. You don’t have to live in one of these “zones” to live a long time — just follow the suggestions in the book and it works. I sat down beside a lady at the doctor’s office the other day, and she informed me that she was 94 years old and lives alone. When I asked her her secret for living so long, she told me some of the things listed in this book,The Blue Zones, and she has never read the book.
Mike Whelan –
Take this book serious and you may live healthier longer. This book put me on the path for more research about healthy eating. Well written and interesting. Pay attention to what was learned, put it to use and you may live longer.
AmitN –
Brilliant book. All the comprehensive research is presented like a novel. Loved it.This book makes a great gift for anyone you care. Have bought 5 copies already and will be buying more.
Amazon Customer –
Absolutely loved this book. I had to order last minute for a class. Had to have a few chapters read in two days and I didn’t have the book yet! Did amazon prime, got it ASAP and read it in time for my assignment. I have been implementing things I learned about the lifestyles of the centenarians ever since, and I feel better than ever! Can’t wait to continue these lifestyle choices, and hopefully become a centenarian myself 🙂
Gandhi –
This book i read first time two years back and was impressed with the way the material was presented. I bought 4 more books so far and present to my friends. A must reading for all those who reached 60
Amazon Customer –
Good read, came exactly the way I wanted it and was at my house in two days after purchasing it (I am sort of near an amazon warehouse, but two days is still fast for anything!)
Jenny B –
I read this book at the same time I read “The end of Overeating. Taking control of the Insatiable American Appetite” by David Kessler, MD. These two books together were a powerful eye opener to me. I am convinced that the Western Diet is killing us. Reading these books has been a life changing experience. What a shame that our culture so often values youth over age, experience and wisdom. There is much to be learned from the Blue Zones!!!!
deborah a. branham –
In the beginning of the book, it appears to be a little boring, but as you get into the various zones all over the world, it becomes an “I can’t put the book down” reading. The best way to read this is to read by your own personal interest and not necessarily in chronological chapter order. Great reading! Great information. Thought provoking.
taylor –
I bought this book for a class that I am taking and have actually ended up really liking it! The book is well written and has made me really want to change my lifestyle so that I can live a longer and happier life.
Rei Hamlet –
I’ve been on a plant based diet for 7 years and this book encourages me to stay with it. Interesting stories.
Sid W –
I found this book held very practical and useful ideas to assist in my health improvement goals. Lots of good stuff for those, with an open mind, looking for direction.
Sunshine –
There’s no point in living to 100 if you’re not going to enjoy it.This book explains how clusters of people around the globe are living healthy lives to 100+ and how they have achieved this. These people are mostly eating diets that include fruits and vegetables and low quantities of meat. It also talks about the importance of a balanced life and long lasting friendships. I have now started to buy this book just to give it to interested friends. I could not explain it as well as the book does.
Alvina Smith –
I am enjoy this book. I recommend this book addressing wellness and health improvement.
mcg –
SO much good information in this book! I really was happy to have read it. It really gave me pause to think about how I live my life. A definite keeper!
CameraGuy –
I suggest this book to anyone that wants to know how to eat better and know what foods help you “live longer” – the book is about a guy who travels around and finds Blue Zones where people live disease free up to 100 yrs or more.I can summarize it a few worksEAT MORE VEGIES and LESS to rarely eating meatWe need up to 9 servings of Vegies and Fruits per day.Juice vegies for maximum intake and its easy on your system to digestExercise as much as possible 1-2 hours a day, 4-5 times a weekLive stress free and enjoy time with family and friends
Pamela –
Great read and very informative!! I am currently readjusting my decisions regarding what types of food to purchase and what types of food to eat so my family and I may have a much healthier overall diet and lifestyle.
R. H. Runde –
Very few books have actually changed my life. Blue Zones — which I heard about when the author was interviewed on our localConnecticut public radio station — is one of those. I am a recent retiree, so the amount of my life that I can change is limited. It would be better for younger people in their 20s, 30s and 40s (i.e. my children) to read this book. But its emphasis on diet, nutrition, attitude, fitness and a raft of other health-related issues was fascinating. Many of the insights I already knew, quite a few I did not. I commend Mr. Beuttner. The writing is good enough to keep a reader going through what is sometimes fairly dry stuff. But the substance of the book is incredibly valuable, and I am going to try to put his advice into practice throughout the rest of my life — which I hope is long. –Robert Runde, February 2012
Lynette R. Fleming –
Blue . . . the color of peace, tranquility, and everlasting life. Standing at the edge of the ocean, big waves splashing cool, salty water over my toes, I look out over the ocean and up at the turquoise sky, feeling as one with the earth. The ocean, where life began, and the sky, where my soul will later disappear, show the color blue as far as I can see.Somewhere in between the beginning of life and eternity lies the Blue Zone, a place offering longevity, good health, and contentment. While the Blue Zones described in Dan Buettner’s chronicle are found in four specific locations broadly spread across the earth, he tells us in detail how we can create our own “Blue Zone.” These four places, populated with many centenarians, share their secrets with us through the magnificent stories told to us by Dan Buettner.I ran across a newspaper article about The Blue Zones when I was researching why obesity seemed prevalent in certain departments of my company. It seemed to me there must have been a great deal of negative influence on each other, perhaps a contagious attitude of not caring what they eat. Dan confirmed what I suspected, stating that studies have shown that if your three best friends are obese, you have a 50 percent greater chance of also being obese. The Blue Zones have taught us that in order to live longer, healthier lives we need to surround ourselves with the right people, people who reinforce the right habits.We can learn so much from the inspiring stories of the people in this book. Marge Jetton, 100 at the time the book was written, is shown in a photograph lifting weights. She begins each day with a mile walk, a stationary bike ride, and (of course) lifting weights. In our literary visit to Costa Rica, we meet Juvenil Munoz, a 90 year old man who eats mostly beans, tortillas, fruit, and once a year, beef when he butchers a cow. Yes, you read that right, just once a year he eats beef. These are just two of the amazing people you will meet in this book. Why don’t you order it so you can meet the others? You’ll learn something special about life from each and every one.Some books are for dieters, some are for athletes, and some are for cooks. The Blue Zones is for everyone. Even if you’re one of the few people who don’t care about living a long life, you’ll love the journey through this book. It is like no other you’ve ever taken. Beam me to the Blue Zones!
J. Sun –
I purchased this book as a required reading for my anthropology class. However, I found this book is really interesting, and it contains many experts’ studies over the years. If you want to live a healthy life style and extend your life span, this book is a must have!!
JBoz –
The book was shipped quickly, efficiently, with no dents or wares. The book itself is full of insights into how one can turn their lifestyle around to gain more years out of life. I recommend these “lessons” for any person who wants a more clear and understandable track towards longevity!
AB –
I heard about the book years ago when it came out. I wanted to read it then, but just didn’t get to it. I’m glad I did! I don’t think you’ll find too many earth shattering revelations about why some have lived longer than others. What this book is, is a well thought out plan for those of us who have a long way to go to become a centarian. I felt the lessons were clear. This made it easy to look at their habits and lifestyles to compare to your own. The differences between the two became obvious, giving me an idea of what I may want to focus on next to improve my life.
B. Yates –
The book “The Blue Zones”8 is the best in-depth study of most if not all global Blue Zones. It provides in-depth analyses of answering the: Why’s? How’s? What’s? and Who? Of each Zone. The book is down to earth, well written, and tells many stories about the researchers, many of the local participants in each Zone and the story of the research project.Information stated in the book can be used as guidance in ones diet, excercise regimen, and way of life!“The Blue Zones” is an exciting, fun and adventurous must read.
Jim –
Would buy from again
wendy Rial –
Beautiful book, I reviewed recipes and then sent it home with my parents, 79 and 76 yrs young. We have lived in the Mediterranean area, so this is an easy diet for us to adapt to.P.S. bought the original book in paperback too. It accompanied the cookbook home with them.
J Waller –
Knowledge of foods for health
Tiffany LaBelle –
This was a very enjoyable and informative book. It has been interesting to see what the blue zones are and what they each have in common to facilitate not only a long life but most importantly a quality life healthwise.
MJ Smith –
A great book. The fact that it has the credentials of National Geographic behind it carries a lot of weight in terms of the accuracy of the data being well researched. I have read other books on the Mediterranean Diet, and on the centenarians of Okinawa and Sardinia. This book added a great deal to other things I’ve read, describing more specifically where these concentrated Blue Zones are located, which are the concentrated areas where the centenarians are found. One particular thing I applaud Dan Buettner for is that in Sardinia, for example, they wanted to find an example of a “younger” person who was living in the traditional way so they could see how some of these centenarians had likely lived as they aged, and so they followed a vibrant 75 year old shepherd named Tonino Tola around his farm, and documented the amazingly long hard hours this man labored everyday and how he ate.The book gives many specific examples of centenarians, how they lived, their activities, diet, life style. And it gives many examples of research and theories being studied to understand how these people’s lives reached the long healthy lives they have enjoyed, yet, it is not overly technical and very readable.
Jon –
This is great book! 6 different locations in the world were found to have above average longevity. What did they have in common: let’s see if I can recall, low stress, family and friends, exercise/work i.e. active lifestyles, one (not 3 not 5 not 7) glasses of wine per day (probably contributed to the low stress), and diets rich in fruits and vegetables. I found it very interesting that no bs insurance was needed, no white-coat egotistical medical practitioner (key word there) throwing pills at you nor all the complexities of modernization were present. Simplify your life and do not follow the rate race heard. great BOOK 5 STARES
Sunshine –
There’s no point in living to 100 if you’re not going to enjoy it.This book explains how clusters of people around the globe are living healthy lives to 100+ and how they have achieved this. These people are mostly eating diets that include fruits and vegetables and low quantities of meat. It also talks about the importance of a balanced life and long lasting friendships. I have now started to buy this book just to give it to interested friends. I could not explain it as well as the book does.
Linda Mullen –
This book was written about the four main places in the world where many people live to be over 100 years old. It contains a lot of information that is useful to someone who would like to make lifestyle changes that will help them be healtier and live longer.
Kay Winston –
Very interesting to see the similarities of eating habits in all the regions of the world that he covered. And only reinforced what I already knew what I should be eating . Now I will take this information that was documented and take it more serious in my daily eating habits.Great Read!
Ljschmitt –
Great read. I read another book by this author. Nat Geo does a great job at communicating quality and facts with these books. In this complex, fast paced US we live in… this is a message for simplicity and perspective.
skim –
I bought this book as part of MiraCosta college’s Nutrition and Aging class, NUTR125. It’s a fast read and full of gem. Everyone gets old, and everyone has to maintain their health. You have to work at maintaining the clarity of the mind, healthy weight, and lifestyle advice that will ultimately save you from suffering and disease. After the class was finished, I passed the book along to someone I cared about, my doctor.
Ed Swanson –
PERHAPS WE CARNIVORES SHOULD TAKE A LESSON FROM THE ELDERLY LADY ON OKINAWA WHO LIVED FORMANY YEARS ON SOME FORM OF SWEET POTATO, AND REGULARLY ATE “WEEDS” AND SUCH. THE ENDING OFTHE BLUE ZONES BOOK OUTLINES IDEAS FOR LIVING A LONGER LIFE, THIS SEEMS LIKE A CRAZY IDEA AT 83’BUT CERTAINLY A TRY AT LIVING A BETTER, HEALTHIER FINALLY.
K. Watts –
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Could not put it down. The author is so well written and easy to read. I highly recommend this book. I will be ordering his second book shortly.
JThompson –
Not sure I will live to 100 but very good advice on how to stay healthy.
Sally –
This story, documented by National Geographic researchers, analyzes lifestyles and eating habits of people living in six different “zones” in the world where people often live to be centenarians. I loved it, because it gave me ideas about what is really important in this world – what really matters! Read it, and compare it to your lifestyle, and where your priorities lie! wow! It makes you think!
Sunshine –
This book is wonderful and easy to read. It’s full of relateable stories and everyday people just living their lives. Dan really gets down to the distinct characteristics of each Blue Zone and what makes their way of life special. This book made a real impact on my understanding of how the choices you make and what you do each day affects your outcome in life. I came away with so many small changes that I can easily incorporate into my days. I look at the choices I make with food and exercise in a new light and view my reasons for getting up in the morning with a new lens. It was wonderful to see how other pockets in the world-and even one in California- defines their successes and priorities with such a wonderful result. Definitely changed my life- for the better. I gave my father-in-law and my mom this book to share the stories.
Amazon Customer –
Great book to instill inspiration and get people motivated to live a healthy life and to live longer. I will hang on to this book to one day read again!
Guest from the West –
This book is important for everyone interested in sorting through the patterns of our society that lead to ill health and a unnaturally shortened life. There are so many self help and diet books that approach this subject and many have pieces of the puzzle but “The Blue Zone” is a wonderful and quite unbiased look at the lives of centenarians who live in four regions of the world where there are high concentrations of centenarians. I would highly recommend this book and also “The China Study” to any friend.