There are corners of the world where staying hale and hearty until age 90 is commonplace, turning 100 is no big deal, and these old folks are active, sharp and engaged with the swirl of life around them.
And not only that, it turns out that there are there are traits shared by these pockets of good health, villages where people “forget to die” — places that author and National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner calls “Blue Zones.”
In a talk last weekend in Bellevue to volunteers and community hospital leaders at Providence Health and Services, Buettner talked about what he learned from the centenarians here.
As it happens, much of the wisdom he discovered can be found in a Chronicle story the same day, a feature on 96-year-old Pearl Miller. She was honored last weekend as a 75-year member of Westminster Presbyterian Church — an astounding achievement, but according to what Buettner discovered, not entirely a surprising one.
One of the habits of people and communities with extraordinary lifespans is regular attendance at church or houses of faith. Why does this help? He’s not entirely sure, although beyond any supernatural blessings, the strength of a generous community and frequent social ties are thought to provide health benefits.
Another habit Miller shares with healthy elders around the world is a wide and active social circle.
From the time she joined the church in 1940, Miller has built relationships and served others. She helped lead the church’s USO group in World War II, rolling bandages and praying for the troops.
She and her husband founded the Clipper Club, a church group for couples who would get together for potlucks and conversation. Even now, on the eve of her 100th birthday, she still goes out with friends each Tuesday for tacos at Frosty’s in Napavine and is a member of the “Dine Out” club.
Even her work teaching Sunday school matches habits of people around the world who live long, healthy and happy lives.
Seniors in global “Blue Zones” are revered — and expected to help. Elders play a big part in raising the grandkids and great-grandkids, giving back to future generations. The benefits are obvious. Caring for children requires constant physical activity, which is key to avoiding frailty. It’s also rewarding and gives people a reason — a necessity, in fact — to get up each day.
Blue Zone residents of all ages are also active, walking frequently and as a social event with friends. Again, Miller’s life matches this apparent natural law. She walks a mile a day when the weather is good.
Buettner has written about his Blue Zones concept in books, taken it to television, and leads a group that helps towns incorporate these healthy changes into the structure of their communities — from adding walking paths to working with restaurants to replace French fries with fresh fruit.
The first Blue Zones Project, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, saw the town shed a collective 12,000 pounds, slash health care costs, and add more than three years to the average life expectancy. Details are at bluezones.com.
As Buettner spoke last week, I wondered if any Lewis County communities would want to apply to join the Blue Zone Project. It takes commitment. He requires elected officials, leaders of the area’s biggest employers, the school board superintendent, and other civic leaders to formally buy in before he’ll come.
The lifestyle changes promise an intriguing and attractive payoff: wide nets of friendships, staying active and healthy, eating a little less but enjoying a longer and heartier life.
Are you interested? I am. Send me an email if you think this a grassroots movement with legs for Lewis County.
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Brian Mittge lives with his family south of Chehalis. He’s eaten more broccoli than usual over the past week. Drop him a line at brianmittge@hotmail.com.
