As I learned the blue zone nine principles for longevity (described more fully in my last blog), I realized two things. First, the blue zone nine principles tend to line up very well with the current evidence from the latest studies for good health and long life. Second, and most striking to me, the blue zone nine principles tend to line up with God’s Word (the Bible) very well. This article will discuss three of the nine blue zone principles of longevity.
Make family a priority (#1). Blue zone inhabitants tend to have a strong priority on regularly spending time with family. The younger generations welcome the older generation into their homes; nursing home living tends to be almost non-existent. The blue zone elderly tend to be physically healthier and mentally sharper as they age with their social skills intact.
Of all the blue zone principles for long life, this one seemed to have one of the strongest correlations from the Word of God: “Honor your father and mother...that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you…” (Deuteronomy 5:16). This is one of the ten commandments, the only one with a promise - the promise of long life.
Another blue zone principle has a striking parallel with another of the ten commandments. Most blue zone participants attend religious services regularly and make faith a strong foundation in their lives (#2). Deuteronomy 5:7 says “You shall have no other gods before me” and Deuteronomy 6:2 says “...that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments...you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged.”
Another of the ten commandments is “Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. Six days you shall work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work...that your (servants) may rest as well as you” (Deuteronomy 5:12-14). Blue zone inhabitants have found ways to take time out of their lives to regularly de-stress and slow down life’s pace (#3). For instance, the Seventh Day Adventists regularly take a sabbath day off from work which serves as a powerful stress reliever, helping keep inflammation in check and adding joy to their lives.
In my next blog, I will continue looking at other blue zone nine principles of longevity and how they tend to line up with God’s Word.
I’m Dr. Jon Clark and have been in practice for 24 years. When I was 16, Jesus Christ changed my life. Everything good in my life has come from giving my life to Jesus. If you need a fresh start and would like to know Jesus, the Bible says that if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be saved. If you make this life-changing decision, give our office a call and let us know.