About us

Hello! I am Emese Turcsán, the head of the Blue Zone Project.

I love researching why people in certain parts of the world live so long, and are so healthy and happy. My goal is simple: to show how we too can live longer and more fulfilling lives with a few small changes. I believe the secrets of the Blue Zones are within everyone’s reach, and I’m excited to share these discoveries with you. I hope you find inspiration here and together we can make your everyday life a little healthier!

Blue Zones are special places in the world where people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else. People in these areas often live to be 90 or 100 years old, and are in good physical and mental health. Five such blue zones have been identified around the world:

Okinawa, Japan – People here follow a simple, plant-based diet, have strong community ties, and spend a lot of time exercising.

Sardinia, Italy – Elderly men here have the longest lifespans in the world, largely due to physical activity and the traditional Mediterranean diet.

Ikaria, Greece – The rate of old-age diseases is particularly low here, people live long and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, which is thanks to regular rest and the local diet.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – People eat natural foods, exercise a lot, and have strong family ties.

Residents of blue zones maintain their health and longevity through various lifestyle habits, which focus on exercise, a balanced diet, social connections and mental peace.

The Blue Zone Project aims to understand what makes these communities so special and share it with others. We want to help everyone incorporate the habits that can lead to longer, healthier lives into their daily lives.

Loma Linda, California, USA – This is home to a community of strictly vegetarians who achieve longevity through a combination of faith, rest, and healthy eating.

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Blue zones

The Blue Zones Know the Secret to Longevity

Loma Linda, California
Nicoya, Costa Rica
Sardinia, Italy
Ikaria, Greece
Okinawa, Japan

California

“Blue Zones” are areas where the population is significantly more likely to reach 100 years of age, and are typically healthier and more active. The five most well-known Blue Zones are:

Secrets of the Loma Linda people

Vegetarian community: Many members of the Adventist community are vegetarians, and the medical community recognizes that this contributes to longer lives and reduced disease.
Unified Lifestyle: It is common among Adventists to organize community events that foster a long, healthy lifestyle, such as Sabbath services, group walks, and shared meals.

Common Interesting Facts About Blue Zones

These interesting facts highlight the attention that residents of blue zones pay to their lifestyle, which contributes to a long and healthy life.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: For those living in blue zones, the secret to longevity lies not only in genetic factors, but rather in the importance of lifestyle, dietary habits, and social connections.
Community support: Strong relationships among friends and family members help reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness, which significantly affect mental and physical health.

Costa Rica

“Blue Zones” are areas where the population is significantly more likely to reach 100 years of age, and are typically healthier and more active. The five most well-known Blue Zones are:

Secrets of the Nicoyas

Long-lasting active life: In Nicoya, locals regularly practice physical activity, whether through agricultural work or traditional dances, which contributes to their physical well-being.
Continuous daily routine: They often choose a schedule that aligns with the sunrise, spending a lot of time outdoors, which strengthens their close connection to nature.

Common Interesting Facts About Blue Zones

These interesting facts highlight the attention that residents of blue zones pay to their lifestyle, which contributes to a long and healthy life.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: For those living in blue zones, the secret to longevity lies not only in genetic factors, but rather in the importance of lifestyle, dietary habits, and social connections.
Community support: Strong relationships among friends and family members help reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness, which significantly affect mental and physical health.

Italy

“Blue Zones” are areas where the population is significantly more likely to reach 100 years of age, and are typically healthier and more active. The five most well-known Blue Zones are:

Secrets of the Sardinians

Male dominance: Men in Sardinia have an exceptionally long life span, especially in the mountain villages. The secret to longevity may often be loyalty, social life, and close family ties.
Wheat products: Locals traditionally eat products made from whole wheat, such as pane carasau (scissored flatbread).

Common Interesting Facts About Blue Zones

These interesting facts highlight the attention that residents of blue zones pay to their lifestyle, which contributes to a long and healthy life.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: For those living in blue zones, the secret to longevity lies not only in genetic factors, but rather in the importance of lifestyle, dietary habits, and social connections.
Community support: Strong relationships among friends and family members help reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness, which significantly affect mental and physical health.

Greece

“Blue Zones” are areas where the population is significantly more likely to reach 100 years of age, and are typically healthier and more active. The five most well-known Blue Zones are:

Secrets of the Icarians

Mindfulness Lifestyle: Ikarians tend to live a slower lifestyle where they do not experience frequent stress. Active napping and relaxation are an important part of their daily routine.
Secret of Aging: Residents regularly use local herbs, such as jungle herbs, which contribute to maintaining good health.

Common Interesting Facts About Blue Zones

These interesting facts highlight the attention that residents of blue zones pay to their lifestyle, which contributes to a long and healthy life.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: For those living in blue zones, the secret to longevity lies not only in genetic factors, but rather in the importance of lifestyle, dietary habits, and social connections.
Community support: Strong relationships among friends and family members help reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness, which significantly affect mental and physical health.

Japan

“Blue Zones” are areas where the population is significantly more likely to reach 100 years of age, and are typically healthier and more active. The five most well-known Blue Zones are:

Secrets of the Okinawans

Long-lived female population: Okinawa has an exceptionally high rate of centenarians among women; one of the world’s oldest women lived to be 116 years old.
Expert recognition: The Okinawa diet is considered by many to be one of the best diets in the world, and numerous studies have documented healthy aging.

Common Interesting Facts About Blue Zones

These interesting facts highlight the attention that residents of blue zones pay to their lifestyle, which contributes to a long and healthy life.

Genetics vs. Lifestyle: For those living in blue zones, the secret to longevity lies not only in genetic factors, but rather in the importance of lifestyle, dietary habits, and social connections.
Community support: Strong relationships among friends and family members help reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness, which significantly affect mental and physical health.