Page 54 - Tropic Magazine Issue 21

TROPIC • HEALTH

The blue zones discovered by Dan Buettner and his research team.

California have a couple of themes in include processed food. Of particular
common, which researchers believe might significance is the consumption
hold the recipe for longevity: of high amounts of flavonoids,
which are bioactive micronutrients
1 Sense of purpose Older people still found in plants that are known to
have clear roles and responsibilities decrease oxidative stress and cancer
and a feeling of being needed well into development as well as interacting with
Blue zones their 100s. our genes.
2 Connectivity A strong sense of
IMPROVING LONGEVITY community with respect for elders Although there most likely will be other
as well as belonging to a faith-based factors at play, such as geographical
Tropic columnist Dr Alexandra community. Studies confirm that isolation and less environmental pollution,
Bernhardi investigates why middle-aged people who are married to reflect on this research might help to
people in certain regions of the or in de facto relationships are steer us in a healthier direction: Value and
invest time in your family, connect with
healthier and have an extra 4-14 years
world have better health and life of life expectancy. your neighbours, take time for cooking
expectancies. and eating, stay active and allow for
3 Restoration Daily downshifts, refreshing down times!
“The Secrets of a Long Life” was the regardless if practiced in the form of
title of the cover article in the National praying, napping, enjoying a And if you wonder why these areas of
Geographic magazine back in November happy hour or pausing to truly longevity are called blue zones, let me give
2005, published by Dan Buettner. appreciate food. you another simple answer: When Dan
He and his team had discovered five 4 Movement Physical activity such as Buettner and his team were searching for
regions in the world where people live walking, attending to the home garden these areas, they drew blue circles around
exceptionally long and healthy lives. and frequently getting up and down them on a map. As simple as that.
Instead of ageing with an increasing from the floor is part of daily life and I hope this article has inspired you.
burden of chronic disease and medical continues naturally into old age.
interventions, people living in the blue Plant-based diet While specific Best wishes,
zones function exceptionally well until foods in the five areas differ, they
they eventually die literally from old age, 5 all have a focus on plants with only Dr Alex
often counting 100 and more years. small amounts of different meat or
These areas spreading out from Sardinia fish. Food entirely comes from the
and Greece to Japan, Costa Rica and immediate environment and does not MORE: doctoralex.com.au

Dr Phoebe Hong

A specialist Obstetrician and
Gynaecologist combining
international experience with
a local sensibility
• Gynaecology services
• Advanced laparoscopic surgery
• Obstetrics and high risk pregnancy
Level 2 Cairns Central Plaza
www.drphoebehong.com.au 58-62, McLeod St. Cairns

TRUSTED TREATMENT DELIVERED WITH CARE | 07 4230 0030 | [email protected]

54 • Tropic • Issue 21