Singapore has recently been recognized as a new “blue zone” — places where people live much longer and healthier lives than average.
Dan Buettner, who created the “blue zones” idea, said, “Singapore has the highest health-adjusted life expectancy in the world. Clearly, their health strategies are effective, resulting in the longest, healthiest lives globally.”
Blue zones are known for having a lot more people who live to be at least 100 years old per capita compared to the U.S.
The first five blue zones were Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Sardinia in Italy, and Loma Linda in the United States. Now, Singapore has been added to this list in what Buettner calls “blue zone 2.0.”
Unlike the original blue zones that developed naturally, the newer ones have been created through planned efforts.
Buettner points out that traditional blue zones are decreasing as they adopt more Western lifestyles, which often lead to less physical activity and fewer personal connections because of new technologies.
In 2004, Buettner worked with National Geographic and the National Institute of Aging to analyze and uncover the secrets of longevity. They identified places where people live the longest and figured out why.
They found the “Power 9” principles, which include regular physical activity, having a life purpose, managing stress, and being around health-focused people.
Singapore has deliberately cultivated itself as a center for long life by integrating these practices that promote good health into its society.
[Click here to find out more about how Singapore encourages long life.]
