Blue Zones

The nine common factors ('Power 9'):

1. Natural and constant movement: walking, gardening, farming — not intense exercise but sustained low-intensity activity throughout the day. 2. Clear life purpose (ikigai in Okinawa, plan de vida in Nicoya): adds ~7 years of life expectancy. 3. Daily stress reduction: nap, prayer, social rituals. 4. 80% rule: stop eating at 80% fullness (hara hachi bu in Okinawa). 5. Mostly plant-based diet: 95% plant-based, legumes as the main protein source. 6. Moderate alcohol consumption: red wine with meals (except Loma Linda). 7. Belonging to a community: active membership in a religious or spiritual community. 8. Family first: intergenerational living, caring for elderly parents at home. 9. Right social tribes: surrounded by friends with healthy habits (contagion effect).

The operational lesson for longevity medicine: pharmacological interventions are complementary, not substitutes, for an environment and lifestyle that structures longevity by default. Blue Zones don't use supplements or advanced biomarkers — they use tradition, community, and purpose.