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Of the five Blue Zones, the world’s longest-lived regions with the highest life expectancy, only one is in the United States
Loma Linda, California is America’s only Blue Zone and home to a Seventh-day Adventist community of over 9,000 people. Loma Linda Adventists tend to follow the following: 10 years older than the average American.
Dr. Loida Medina, 84, often plays pickleball for three hours straight with her friends, who are also in their 80s. Loma Linda and Seventh Day As her Adventist residents, Medina and her loved ones believe that staying active is critical to living a longer, more fulfilling life.
“Longevity is about exercise and community,” Medina said in the new Netflix series “Living to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.”
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“We call each other like high schoolers, right? ‘Hey, come hang out with us.'”
There are several behavioral pillars that Seventh-day Adventists “believe lead to godliness,” longevity researcher says. Dan Buettner In a recent Netflix documentary series.
- stay physically active
- volunteer activities
- nutrition
- faith
- community
When it comes to nutrition, Medina used to eat meat and fish, but experienced cholesterol problems and switched to a vegetarian diet. Her plant-based diet aligns with the vision of the founders of the Adventist Church.Loma Linda started her own vegetarian food company In 1905.
Volunteer work also fits into Loma Linda’s Adventist nature. And generally speaking, “people who volunteer have better memories.” [and] Better social connections. They even report higher levels of happiness,” Buettner said in the Netflix special.
What the Adventist Health Survey tells us about longevity
The Loma Linda community was the focus of a study conducted in 1974 that aimed to determine which behaviors lead to longer and healthier lives.
of Adventist Health Survey They conclude that these five practices increase people’s chances of survival to age 90.
- Managing stress levels
- have a great sleep
- healthy eating habits
- Exercise often: You can do strength training twice a week and aerobic exercise three times a week for 10 minutes a day.
- refrain from smoking
Study subjects typically stick to an eating plan similar to the Mediterranean diet, which prioritizes whole foods, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Also avoid excessive red meat.
almost 40% of Adventists Participants in the study were either vegetarians or vegans.
Community seems to be at the heart of every Blue Zone’s core values, and Loma Linda is no exception.
“When you know that someone needs you and wants you to be a part of their life, that gives you longevity,” Medina said in the documentary series. “Something to live for.”
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