We all strive to live a long and healthy life. The below article by Andy Murray highlights 5 ways to age well according to different insights from the world’s healthiest countries. These are:
- Fika: Engage in the Swedish art of connection, fostering emotional well-being through meaningful conversations.
- Ikigai: Discover the Japanese philosophy of finding purpose in life by aligning passion with meaningful work for a fulfilling existence.
- Mediterranean Magic: Embrace the heart-healthy Mediterranean diets of Greece and Italy, promoting longevity and overall well-being.
- Nordic Resilience: Immerse yourself in the outdoors like the Nordic nations, enhancing physical fitness, mental clarity, and resilience.
- Blue Zones: Explore regions like Okinawa and Sardinia where longevity thrives, emphasizing plant-based diets, social networks, movement, and purpose.
I am super focused on this topic, and will be talking more about longevity in future LIFEies. By utilizing one or more these practices in our lives, we can age slowly and gracefully. Aging is not just about your years, it’s about living in each moment to the fullest. Let’s just put the above practices into our minds this week and then we can do deeper dives on each practice over the next year or two.
The Fantastic Life Rule #12:
Do Nothing in Moderation
I don’t want to be average or mediocre as I age. I went to exceed the average, go beyond and live my life long and well. I want my life to be Fantastic!
5 Secrets to Ageing Well
Insights from the World’s Healthiest Nations
By: Andy Murray
Nov 25, 2023
Photo by Danie Franco on Unsplash
It seems that many people are living longer these days. It is becoming increasingly common to come across individuals passing their 100th birthday. Longevity seems a fine goal to aspire to, provided we can maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit. The desire to age gracefully, maintain vitality, and embrace the wisdom that comes with passing years is universal. Fortunately, we can draw inspiration from some of the world’s healthiest countries — places where vibrant elders defy the conventional boundaries of ageing. With a little bit of online research, I’ve come across these examples.
1. Fika: The Swedish Art of Connection
Sweden, with its picturesque landscapes and serene lifestyle, offers a valuable lesson in social bonding. The concept of fika — a cherished Swedish tradition — revolves around taking a break, sipping coffee, and engaging in meaningful conversations. Whether it’s catching up with friends or sharing stories with family, these moments of connection contribute to emotional well-being. So, next time you reach for your coffee cup, consider it an invitation to connect.
2. Ikigai: The Japanese Purpose of Life
Japan, known for its longevity and centenarians, embraces the philosophy of ikigai. This ancient concept translates to “a reason for being.” It’s the sweet spot where passion, mission, vocation, and profession intersect. Finding your ikigai involves introspection, identifying what brings you joy, and aligning it with meaningful work. Whether it’s tending a bonsai tree or teaching a skill, nurturing your ikigai adds purpose to your years.
3. Mediterranean Magic: Greek and Italian Diets
Greece and Italy, bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, share a secret: their diets. Rich in olive oil, fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fish, the Mediterranean diet promotes heart health, cognitive function, and longevity. Savoring meals with loved ones, enjoying a glass of red wine, and indulging in seasonal produce — these culinary traditions nourish both body and soul.
4. Nordic Resilience: Embracing the Outdoors
The Nordic nations — Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden — embrace the great outdoors. Their connection to nature is profound, whether it’s hiking through fjords, skiing across snow-kissed landscapes, or simply breathing in crisp air. Regular exposure to natural beauty enhances physical fitness, mental clarity, and resilience. So, lace up those hiking boots and explore the wilderness — it’s a recipe for vitality.
5. Blue Zones: Where Longevity Thrives
Blue Zones — specific regions where people live exceptionally long lives that include Okinawa (Japan), Ikaria (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California). These pockets of longevity share commonalities: plant-based diets, strong social networks, daily movement, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s dancing in the streets of Sardinia or practicing tai chi in Okinawa, these communities exemplify the art of ageing well.
Incorporating these age-old wisdoms into our lives can transform our journey. So, let’s raise our coffee cups, find our ikigai, savor Mediterranean flavors, embrace the wilderness, and create our own Blue Zones. After all, ageing isn’t about counting years; it’s about living them fully, with zest and grace.
If you have access to Netflix, there is currently a four part documentary series — “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. This takes viewers to each of these countries, to explore the diet, behavior, and lifestyles of those who lead exceptionally long and vibrant lives. The documentary delves into the original blue zones — specific regions where people live significantly longer than average.