3 secrets that help people in the Green Zone live happily.

Living in a healthy community, finding purpose to wake up to each day, and having financial stability are factors that contribute to the happiness of people in the world's Blue Zones.

The Blue Zones are five regions in the world with the longest-living and healthiest populations: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (USA). Longevity expert and National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner spent years studying the lifestyles of people in these areas, discovering the reasons why they live to over 100 years old.

Accordingly, in Ikaria, one in three residents lives to the age of 90. The incidence of dementia and other chronic diseases is very low. According to experts, Ikarian people generally live in healthy, peaceful communities . They integrate exercise into their daily activities. Through gardening, walking to neighbors' houses or visiting friends, they improve their health, strengthen their immune system and flexibility, reduce stress, and prevent disease. Sharing with the Guardian , a centenarian said he walks 1.6 km daily to his favorite cafe and back.

The Ikarian people spend a lot of time together and have a collective mindset. "This isn't my home, it's our home," says Dr. Ilias Leriadis, one of the island's few doctors. He adds that the people regularly celebrate religious and cultural holidays. Families pool money to buy food and wine, and if there's any left over, they give it to those in need.

Healthy social connections are one of the factors that contribute to increased longevity. Photo: Insider — Healthy social connections are one of the factors that contribute to increased longevity. Photo: *Insider*

Dr. Buettner also advises people to seek their self-worth, their purpose for waking up each morning. This is the Ikigai spirit of the Japanese, one of the countries famous for its high life expectancy. In Japanese, ikiru means "to live" and gai means "reason." In other words, ikigai means "the reason you continue to live" or "the reason you wake up every morning."

Ikigai is the sum of four elements: what a person loves, what they are good at, what helps them earn money, and what society needs.

In studies on longevity, experts have concluded that finding meaning in life is just as important as factors such as genetics, diet, or exercise.

A 2008 study from Tohoku University analyzed data from over 50,000 people (ages 40 to 79) and found that those living according to the ikigai philosophy had a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and lower mortality rates. 95% of them were still alive seven years after the survey began.

Dr. Buettner stated that financial stability is also an important factor in increasing life expectancy.

A study published in PLOS on September 27th shows that people with lower socioeconomic status tend to have shorter life expectancies. This is because they spend less on healthcare and are more susceptible to the psychological impact of economic inequality.

Researchers found that people with sound financial plans for the future had a lower risk of death. This finding remained true even after excluding other potentially influencing factors such as lifestyle and diet.

According to experts, debt and financial instability can affect mental health, causing chronic stress. Financial problems also lead to physical symptoms such as migraines, weakened immunity, high blood pressure, digestive problems, muscle tension, heart rhythm disorders, and difficulty sleeping.

Thuc Linh (According to NY Post )

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