A specialist in longevity has brought attention to a surprising behavior that could potentially extend one’s lifespan, although it may necessitate significant lifestyle changes. Dan Buettner has dedicated himself to studying the habits of the longest-living individuals in six unique “Blue Zones” scattered around the globe.
These specific regions are renowned for having a remarkable concentration of centenarians, with residents reportedly being “10 times more likely to reach 100 years old” compared to people in the United States. The Blue Zones include Loma Linda in California, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and the most recent addition, Singapore.
While Dan has previously emphasized the importance of staying active, consuming more plant-based foods, and engaging in activities like gardening to promote longevity, maintaining these practices can be challenging. Hence, he is now advocating for another transformative change that could significantly impact one’s long-term health journey.
In a recent post on TikTok, the 64-year-old debunked the myth that simply going on a “diet” to eat healthier for a longer life is effective for most individuals. Instead, Dan suggests that surrounding oneself with a small circle of individuals who prioritize healthy eating can be more impactful. He highlights that healthy behaviors are contagious, meaning that the people we associate with can influence our own habits significantly.
This concept is supported by extensive scientific research, including a notable Harvard study from 2007. The study examined a closely interconnected social network of 12,067 individuals and revealed that having an obese friend could increase one’s likelihood of becoming obese by 57%. Similarly, if one partner in a marriage became obese, the chance of the other partner following suit rose by 37%.
Furthermore, having an obese sibling was found to elevate one’s own risk by 40%, which is especially pertinent as obesity is a significant risk factor for heart disease, a leading global cause of mortality.
Peer influence extends beyond eating habits to physical activity levels as well. A study in 2013 demonstrated that a friend’s physical activity level could substantially impact another person’s overall fitness, particularly among children and adolescents.
Dan stresses the importance of forming relationships with individuals who prioritize healthy eating, even if one does not necessarily adopt a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle themselves. He explains that research indicates a strong correlation between consuming a nutritious whole food, plant-based diet and longevity. By surrounding oneself with friends who embrace this dietary approach, access to healthy food options and encouragement to maintain this lifestyle becomes more readily available, potentially leading to a longer and healthier life.