The Power9: Getting Started with Our Longevity Secrets

Written by Dan Buettner

How the Power9 Work

In my book, The Blue Zone, I reveal the secrets of the Power9: the nine common denominators that all of the world’s longevity all-stars share. Here at BlueZones.com, we've organized these behaviors into four main categories:

Move Naturally – Make your home, community and workplace present you with natural ways to move. Focus on activities you love, like gardening, walking and playing with your family.

Belong to the Right Tribe – Surround yourself with the right people, make the effort to connect or reconnect with your religion and put loved ones first.

Eat Wisely – Instead of groping from fad diet to fad diets, use time-honored strategies for eating 20% less at meals. Avoid meat and processed food and drink a couple of glasses of wine daily.

Right Outlook – Know and be able to articulate your sense of purpose, and ensure your day is punctuated with periods of calm.

This may all sound too simple, but the payoff is huge. The average American could live up to 14 more good years by putting these habits to work.

Here's a brief introduction to the nine behaviors we believe can lead to living longer, better:

80% Rule (stop eating when you're 80% full) Plant-Power (more veggies, less protein and processed foods) Red Wine (consistency and moderation) Plan de Vida (know your purpose in life) Beliefs (spiritual or religious participation) Down Shift (work less, slow down, rest, take vacation) Move (find ways to move mindlessly, make moving unavoidable) Belong (create a healthy social network) Your Tribe (make family a priority)

Stay tuned to BlueZones.com for a more in-depth exploration of each of these concepts, as well and daily, practical ways you can incorporate these ideas into your life.

(2) comments | Subscribe to this comment's feed

Wine not required
written by Anil C, May 10, 2008

I'm from India where wine is not a part of my cultural tradition. I think I can hope for a long life without it. I agree with all the other 8 points

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Plan?
written by Pat King, April 10, 2008

At 71 years of age I really can't think of a "plan". I just live one day at a time and enjoy the good things in my life, like a quiet nice home and community, a part time job I enjoy, four wonderful kids I get to talk to on the phone often, a good relationship with my Higher Power. What plan - whoe needs a plan.

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