Deciphering the ‘Blue Zone’ group, 100-year secret to long life. Thailand is ready to aim to be the 6th Blue Zone in the world.

Having a healthy body and living a long life is everyone’s wish. But did you know that there are some areas of the world where the majority of people live up to 90-100 years and are in good physical and mental health? Dubbed the “Blue Zones,” these areas include five cities from four countries around the world: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Loma Linda (United States), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Icaria ( Greece)

Okinawa, an island in the southern part of Japan. It is a land of calm and slow life. People have a strong community and always help each other. They have a habit of keeping their bodies active by regularly gardening with vegetables or herbs. The main food is vegetables such as tofu, miso soup, and stir-fried bitter melon. The idea is to eat only 80% of your fullness so as not to overload your stomach.

Sardinia, an island in the Italian Mediterranean. It is a place where many elderly people who live long and healthy lives are found. Sardinians often travel to different places. By walking more than driving Eat sheep’s and goat’s milk cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and small amounts of meat. They also drink a little red wine during meals. which reduces stress They value family. Do a little housework to get your body moving.

Loma Linda, a small town in the US state of California, is the only Blue Zone area in the country. Most people are Seventh-day Adventists with strict religious practices, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar and fat. But consume mainly vegetarian food made from grains. There is also the idea of ​​eating breakfast and lunch rather than dinner. To prevent the body from receiving excess energy during periods of non-activity. They also choose to travel by walking for exercise. The community in this area is strong and always has activities together.

Nicoya, Costa Rica It is another city where the population lives long and strong. It is based on the concept of “Plan de vida” or reason for living. This allows the elderly in this city to live an active lifestyle. Drinking water in the area is high in calcium, which helps with bone health. The main food of the Nikaya people is “Three Sisters Vegetables” include squash, corn and beans, while avoiding processed foods.

The last one is Ikaria. Islands in Greece The people have a lifestyle similar to Sardinia in regards to the Mediterranean diet. That is, they eat vegetables, fruits, grains, potatoes, and olive oil. But what is unique is that they sleep during the day. and drink local herbal teas that contain antioxidants and help with diuresis

Although the countries and cultures of the five cities in the Blue Zones are different, key factors that contribute to long and healthy lives are similar, including:

1. Having a daily routine that allows you to exercise regularly Whether it’s walking, gardening, or light housework.
2. Eat natural foods Focusing mainly on vegetables. Meat is an add-on. Ready to control the amount in each meal to be appropriate.
3. There is a strong community and family way of life. This reduces stress and increases morale in life.
4. Adhere to the principles of belief or religion This is an impetus for discipline in health care.
5. Drink healthy, natural beverages such as red wine, milk, or herbal tea. But in the right amount.

These factors reflect that Good health and longevity are not just a matter of genetics or medical treatment. But it also depends on your daily lifestyle and the environment around you. This is an interesting lesson for anyone who wishes to have a good quality of life in old age.

Blue Zone: Step into Thailand for longevity and quality of life.

In an era where the world places importance on sustainable development and the good quality of life of its citizens, creating a “Blue Zone” or an area with a long and healthy population. It has become one of the important agendas of many countries. Including Thailand

Dr. Phinyo Trisuriyathamma Director of the Nation Building Institute Presented a vision that will drive Thailand towards becoming the 6th “Blue Zone of the World” with the goal of improving the quality of life of Thai people to live long, healthy, and happy lives.

This idea was inspired by a study tour in Sardinia, Italy, which is currently one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones. including Okinawa Japan, Ikaria, Greece, Nicoya, Costa Rica, and Seventh-day Adventist communities in California, USA.

Studying the lives of the elderly in these areas Many factors have been found to affect longevity. Whether it’s eating a plant-based diet. Exercise is a normal part of everyday life. Having activities to relieve stress Having strong connections with both family and friends Including having a purpose in life, there are also deeper level factors in genetics, biochemistry, molecular cells and gut microbes. as well as environmental factors such as soil, water, and air that affect health and longevity.

for Thailand Despite reliable demographic data But life expectancy at birth is 77.7 years, ranking 47th in the world. However, many Blue Zone countries do not have the highest life expectancy in the world. Therefore, it is an opportunity for Thailand to develop itself into the Blue Zone.

It has many advantages. Both the weather conditions are not extremely severe. Diverse and abundant food sources Public health system and medical services that are easily accessible including the culture of taking care of the elderly in the family and the rise of the middle class with knowledge and good status

Meanwhile There are still some obstacles, such as a lack of knowledge and awareness about health care. Excessive use of chemicals in agriculture Lack of context conducive to exercise Problems of smoking, drinking alcohol, drugs, air and environmental pollution. Mental health problems, stress, loneliness, and lack of goals in life

To achieve the vision of a 6th Blue Zone, comprehensive and integrated action is required. From creating knowledge and understanding at the genetic and cellular levels Developing knowledge and skills in health care Creating motivation and appropriate lifestyle behavior Including the development of supporting factors in the economic, social, educational, cultural, environmental and public health systems.

The initiative will select certain areas or communities as pilot areas or “Thailand’s Blue Zone”, setting clear goals and success indicators. along with studying and developing concrete ways to promote longevity in those areas

The development of the prototype area will begin with collecting and analyzing data on the status and factors related to the longevity and good health of the population. To be able to accurately assess the situation and select the area.

After that, knowledge and living skills will be developed using the “Model 12 Healthy Life” which consists of principles of food, water, and clean air. Exercise, hygiene, emotions, touch and affection. Activities that create happiness, sleep, and good relationships including a civilized way of life

along with the development of supporting factors at a broad level including economy, education, culture, health system, society and community as well as managing the environment to be conducive to good health and longevity.

It is an important challenge for the country to unite power from all sectors to successfully drive this Blue Zone vision into reality. But if successful It will create an image for Thailand to be A “City of Health and Longevity” attracts tourists, workers and investment from around the world. bring economic benefits along with improving the quality of life for Thai people to have good health, longevity and sustainable happiness.
Source: bluezones.com , cioworldbusiness.com