Living Longer, Retiring Better: Lessons from the Blue Zones

Dan Buettner, intrepid explorer of longevity, went on this amazing quest to uncover the secrets of these long-lived communities.

Belém Dock

Image shot at Belém, Portugal

The secret to longevity, as I see it, has less to do with diet, or even exercise, and more to do with the environment in which a person lives: social and physical. —Dan Buettner

A while back, I stumbled upon this fascinating concept called "The Blue Zones." (Full disclosure: I'm not getting paid to talk about this, I just think it's a really cool idea!) Basically, it's about these specific places around the world where people live ridiculously long lives.

Dan Buettner, intrepid explorer of longevity, went on this amazing quest to uncover the secrets of these long-lived communities. He found these pockets around the globe – Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and even Loma Linda, California – where people seem to defy aging.

Buettner discovered some intriguing patterns in these Blue Zones. These folks prioritize plant-based diets, have super strong social connections, and seamlessly weave physical activity into their daily lives. It's like they've cracked the code to aging gracefully!

One thing that really caught my eye is that these communities often have a different approach to aging than we do in the US. They seem to prioritize "aging in place" – staying in their homes and communities as they get older – with strong family and community support.

And it's not just these Blue Zones! Places like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and many parts of Europe also boast impressively long lifespans.

All this got me thinking: how can I factor longevity into my own retirement plans?

You see, about 15 years ago, I decided to hit the reset button on my life. I was burnt out, stressed, and honestly, not very happy. So, I started making some serious changes – focusing on what I eat, how I think, and getting moving more. I wanted to improve my overall well-being, my relationships, and my finances.

It's been a journey, but I've made significant progress. I'm more mindful of what I eat, I make an effort to stay active, and I've definitely embraced the "wine at five" concept (though I try to keep it moderate!).

Twelve years ago, I met my amazing husband, Paul, and we quickly discovered a shared passion for healthy living. We've faced our fair share of challenges, but we're convinced that moving to Portugal is a key part of our longevity plan. We're excited to explore the traditional Portuguese way of life, from the incredible cuisine to the emphasis on community and enjoying life's simple pleasures.

Of course, we're not abandoning Colorado completely! We plan to spend part of each year back in the US, enjoying the beautiful outdoors and the active lifestyle that Colorado offers.

This blog is about our journey – exploring life in Portugal, embracing the Blue Zones philosophy, and figuring out how to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Stay tuned for more!