Everyone’s looking for the next big thing when it comes to healthy aging. It’s a great idea to think that it’s possible to stay young forever and live a long life without any sickness. Scientists are constantly on the lookout for the people and places where this is as close to reality as possible. Over the years, we’ve gotten ever closer to understanding the core concepts behind longevity, and have gone to mark the healthiest places in the world as “Blue Zones”.
A Blue Zone is considered a hot spot for optimal wellbeing. The people that live in them live anywhere between 90 to 100 (or more) years old. But it’s not just about quantity- it’s about quality as well. Blue Zone residents on average have exceptional health due to a variety of factors, which include diet, exercise/physical activity, community, and sense of purpose.

One such Blue Zone is Loma Linda, California. It was originally founded in the 1840s by Seventh-day Adventists and has grown to a community of nearly 9,000 Adventists in total. Residents today live at least a decade longer than the average person.

Here are the key factors that are attributed to the remarkable longevity of these people:

Diet

Seventh-Day Adventists practice a vegetarian, plant-based diet. They avoid meat for the most part but will consume a small portion of fish on the rare occasion. One staple of their diet is nuts, with stores selling them in bins that nearly reach the ceiling. [1] According to a 1990s study, it was shown that Adventists who consumed a handful of nuts at least five times a week had nearly half the risk of developing heart disease and lived about two years longer than those who didn’t. [2]

Farmer’s Markets are also a staple of Loma Linda’s community, offering fresh, local food to its residents. Processed, fast foods can be found, but the health-conscious population generally frowns upon their consumption. So much so that the opening of a McDonald’s in 2013 was said to have caused a lot of controversies, leaving many people and health professionals concerned about the welfare of their community. [3]

Exercise

In addition to a healthy diet, the people of Loma Linda are encouraged to take care of their health through regular exercise. Hikes and long walks are a staple amongst senior Adventists, with some engaging in group fitness classes. According to the Adventist Health Survey (AHS), it was shown that regular, low-intensity exercise helped reduce heart disease and certain types of cancer. [4] So you don’t necessarily have to be an Olympian or regular gym-goer to reap the benefits!

A Lack of Vice

Because a large portion of Loma Linda’s population consists of Seventh-Day Adventists, addictions like smoking and drinking are prohibited due to religious purposes. The body is treated as sacred for devotees, putting such vices into a negative light. According to Pastor Belgrove Josiah, a retired Adventist pastor, “You are duty bound to reserve that temple for God’s service, because he made us. Because of that principle we are very concerned about what we put into our bodies.” [5] Whether you choose to follow a certain religion or not, we can all agree that smoking and alcohol consumption both have harmful effects on the body. It would be wise to avoid both of these if you’re looking to maintain good health!

Community

Going to church isn’t only about devotion to God for Seventh-day Adventists. It’s also about coming together and sharing a collective experience with your fellow man. For churchgoers in Loma Linda, weekly service helps to bring people together. The church organizes regular activities that further this, such as festivals, celebrations, and charity drives. As a matter of fact, many of Loma Linda’s residents believe in giving back in some way, which they believe is an important part of their positive outlook in life. Charity and religion are part and parcel for these people, giving them a sense of purpose and willingness to enjoy life. [6]

Rest

The Seventh-day Adventists of Loma Linda observe one day of rest every week in the form of the Sabbath. Every Friday evening at sundown and Saturday, Adventists are encouraged to “rest” and take the day off from work. In some cases, even social media and television are turned off, with people expected to engage with one another and focus on recuperating from the week’s events. Whether you yourself practice a day of rest for religious purposes or not, it’s further proof that a good day of rest is good for resetting both body and mind. [7]

DIY Loma Linda

There’s no need to pack your bags for Loma Linda if you’re looking to increase your lifespan. Try emulating these longevity superstars by adopting some of their healthy habits! Here are some ways that you can get started:

• Stick to consist exercise (consider joining the ZGYM if you haven’t yet!)
• Incorporate plenty of fruits and veggies into your diet (sign up for my Shred & Glow Meal Plan to get started on plant-based eating!)
• Have a handful of nuts a few times a week.

 (Here are some recipes to get you inspired!):

Peach Salad With Goat Cheese, Pecans and Hazelnut Vinaigrette (FM)

Cashew Walnut Stuffed Dates (WEM)

Sautéed Broccoli With Feta and Pine Nuts (FM)

Apple With Brief Cheese, Honey & Almonds (FM)

• Get out there and spend some time with friends and family! See a movie, play some games, take a class- focus on creating and sustaining healthy relationships.
• Don’t neglect rest and recovery- especially if you workout regularly! (Read up on the following post on the signs you may need to do so.)

Sources:

[1] http://nourishingtraditions.com/true-blue-zones-loma-linda/

[2] https://www.today.com/health/eat-adventist-8-foods-longer-healthier-life-t13901

[3] https://www.sbsun.com/2013/10/08/mcdonalds-gets-down-to-business-in-loma-linda/

[4] https://publichealth.llu.edu/adventist-health-studies

[5] http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30351406

[6] https://bluezones.com/exploration/loma-linda-california/

[7] https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/healthscience/2015/February/Secrets-to-Longevity-Revealed-in-Denominations-Lifestyle