To make it to age 100, you have to have won the genetic lottery. But most of us have the capacity to make it well into our early 90’s and largely without chronic disease. As the Adventists demonstrate, the average person’s life expectancy could increase by 10-12 years by adopting a Blue Zones lifestyle. The 9th secret from Dan Buettner's research is belonging to the Right Tribe. He writes: The world’s longest lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, Okinawans created ”moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors. How can you surround yourself with positive social network? Church groups Book clubs Bridge (card playing) groups Investments clubs Golf leagues Retiree associations Breakfast clubs Share your secrets to successful aging and tell us about your life-long support groups.
