The Blue Zones are five regions of the world that are known for having people who live to exceptionally old age. The National Geographic Society sponsored Dan Buettner to study what those zones had in common. He discovered nine commonalities:
1. They move naturally in their daily life & work.
2. They have a sense of purpose for their lives.
3. They have routines that lower their stress.
4. They eat only until they are 80% full.
5. Their diets are largely plant-based with only occasional eating of meat or fish.
6. Most of them drink wine, but in limited amounts.
7. They belong to a faith-based community & worship regularly.
8. They are highly committed to family.
9. They live close to others with healthy lifestyles.
Many of these characteristics seem like common sense, but few of them fit current American lifestyle. One Blue Zone area does not drink alcohol at all, but otherwise the nine characteristics, while differently expressed, bear out in each case. Long life is not the only value in life, but it is something to be appreciated.
Length of life may not be as important as quality of life. A life of true service is worthy, even when its duration is short. What Jesus accomplished in his 33 years shows that to be true. Even so, given the choice, most of us would prefer a long life provided that life is healthy and purposeful. When it is so, it is a blessing from God.