Models for coaching
Blue Zones
Useful in coaching for
What are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are specific regions around the world where people live much longer and healthier lives than the rest of the population. These areas are home to a higher percentage of centenarians – individuals who live to be 100 years old or more. The concept of Blue Zones was first introduced by National Geographic explorer and author Dan Buettner, who identified five specific regions that exhibited these extraordinary longevity characteristics.
These regions are:
- Ikaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California, USA
- Sardinia, Italy
- Okinawa, Japan
- Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
While the inhabitants of these regions come from diverse cultural backgrounds, they share certain lifestyle habits and practices that promote longevity and overall well-being. These common practices, known as the Power 9, form the basis of the Blue Zones philosophy and can be applied to any community or individual seeking to improve their health and longevity.
The history of Blue Zones and how they were discovered
The concept of Blue Zones began in the early 2000s when Dan Buettner, in collaboration with demographers and researchers, embarked on a mission to identify areas around the world where people lived the longest and healthiest lives. This journey was inspired by earlier studies conducted by Dr. Gianni Pes and Dr. Michel Poulain, who identified a region in Sardinia, Italy, with an unusually high number of centenarians.
Buettner and his team started studying these areas, diving deep into their cultures, lifestyles, and habits to uncover the secrets behind their longevity. The term “Blue Zones” itself was coined during one of their research meetings when they used a blue marker to circle longevity hotspots on a map. Over time, this term became synonymous with the regions they identified as having exceptional life expectancy and well-being.
Their research was later published in a National Geographic article and eventually led to Buettner’s best-selling book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” The book garnered widespread attention and sparked global interest in the concept of Blue Zones and the lifestyle practices associated with them.
The Power 9
The Power 9 refers to the nine common lifestyle habits and practices that are shared by the inhabitants of the Blue Zones. These principles serve as the foundation for a lifestyle that promotes longevity, health, and overall well-being. The Power 9 are:
1. Move Naturally
In Blue Zones, people engage in regular, low-intensity physical activity as a natural part of their daily routines. They walk, garden, do housework, and participate in other activities that keep them moving throughout the day. This natural movement helps to maintain muscle mass, improve circulation, and support overall health.
2. Purpose
Having a sense of purpose, or a reason to get up in the morning, is a key component of the Blue Zones lifestyle. It has been shown that having a strong sense of purpose can add years to one’s life. In these communities, people often have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities within their families, social groups, and communities.
3. Down Shift
Stress is a common factor in many chronic diseases and can have a detrimental impact on one’s health. In the Blue Zones, people practice various techniques to manage stress and maintain a sense of balance in their lives. These practices may include meditation, prayer, napping, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.
4. 60% Rule
The 60% rule refers to the practice of eating until you are 60% full, which is a common habit among the inhabitants of Okinawa, Japan. By not overeating, they maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing obesity-related health issues.
5. Plant-Based
A predominantly plant-based diet is another key aspect of the Blue Zones lifestyle. People in these regions consume large quantities of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. They also consume smaller amounts of meat and dairy products. This type of diet has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
6. Wine at 5
Moderate alcohol consumption is a common practice in the Blue Zones. People in these regions often drink wine with their meals, but in moderation. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and never to excess.
7. Right Tribe
Having a strong sense of community and belonging is essential to the Blue Zones lifestyle. People in these regions often have close relationships with family, friends, and neighbors. They engage in regular social activities and support one another through life’s ups and downs.
8. Loved Ones First
Family is paramount in the Blue Zones. Inhabitants of these regions place a high value on their relationships with their loved ones. They prioritize spending time with family and making meaningful connections with their children, parents, and grandparents.
9. Belong
Belonging to a group or community is another important aspect of the Blue Zones lifestyle. People in these regions often have a strong sense of identity and belonging, whether it be through their cultural heritage, religious affiliations, or other groups to which they belong.
How the Power 9 can be used in coaching
The Power 9 principles can be used as a guide for coaches who are working with clients to improve their health and well-being. Here are some ways that coaches can apply the Power 9 principles:
- Assessing current habits and behaviors: Coaches can help clients identify areas where they can make positive changes in their lifestyle habits, such as increasing physical activity, eating more plant-based foods, or reducing stress.
- Setting goals: Coaches can work with clients to set specific goals that align with the Power 9 principles, such as incorporating more natural movement into their daily routine or eating more plant-based meals.
- Providing accountability: Coaches can help clients stay accountable to their goals by providing regular check-ins and support.
- Encouraging social support: Coaches can encourage clients to build and maintain strong social connections, whether it be through joining a local community group or participating in team sports.
- Fostering a sense of purpose: Coaches can help clients identify their sense of purpose and develop strategies for incorporating this into their daily lives.
Summary of Blue Zones
The Blue Zones are regions around the world where people live longer, healthier lives. The inhabitants of these regions share common lifestyle practices and habits that promote longevity and overall well-being. The Power 9 principles form the basis of the Blue Zones philosophy and include natural movement, a sense of purpose, stress management, eating until 60% full, a plant-based diet, moderate alcohol consumption, a strong sense of community, prioritizing family, and belonging to a group or community.
Coaches can use the Power 9 principles as a guide for helping clients improve their health and well-being. By incorporating these practices into their daily lives, individuals can increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives and experiencing greater overall well-being.
If you’re interested in learning more about Blue Zones and how you can apply the Power 9 principles to your own life, check out Dan Buettner’s book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.”
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