Award-winning author and researcher Dan Buettner has traveled the world to meet the planet's longest-lived people, and learned nine powerful yet simple lessons that could put you on the path to longer life. Where did he find them? In the Blue Zones. Blue Zones are communities where common elements of lifestyle, diet and outlook have led to an amazing quantity - and quality - of life. Dan Buettner shares the secrets from four of the world's Blue Zones. Buettner's extensive study uncovers how these people manage to live longer and better, but found in the everyday things they do: the food they eat, the company they keep, and their very perspectives on life. In The Blue Zones, they become yours to follow for life!
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"This book was well written from years of research with people who had lived long and healthy lives. Many segments brought tears of pure joy to my eyes and jovial laughter to my lips as I read of the antics and antidotes from people who had lived happy, healthy for over 100yrs of their lives. I learned that anyone, who follows a few basic rules, can live long and healthy lives as well... emphasis on healthy!"
— Kathleen (5 out of 5 stars)
" Just finished this book. These Blue Zone people lived over 100 with little medical care. Why ? It seems they had strong networks of friends, helped raise grandchildren, ate low on the food chain, and believed in a high power. It was interesting, but nothing that the newspapers have not told us about how to live to a full life. "
— Millie, 2/12/2014" I find the whole idea of Blue Zones fascinating and definitely worth investigating. I think there is a lot to be learned from people who live simpler, healthier, more active lives. But I wish the book had focused more on the lessons learned from these people and the longevity habits they practice. As it is, the lifestyle habits and suggestions are presented as sort of an afterthought in the last chapter. I thought too much time was spent explaining how the researchers found these people, as well as the history of the Blue Zones. In that regard, it's more of a cultural study than a book about health ... but it's still worth reading. "
— Karen, 1/26/2014" Great book to remind you how easy it is to live longer. Super easy/fast read. I read it in 3 days and would read it again. "
— Heidi, 1/22/2014" I didn't really like it and confess I skipped around a lot. Mostly the advice for living longer is much like everything else I've read so I found much of it boring. Notably though I think most of us lack the tight culture and extended families of the places where people live longest. "
— Susan, 1/22/2014" Fun book, great back stories, interesting perspective. "
— Amie, 1/21/2014" An excellent read for mapping out a healthy and longer future for any individual. Buettner provides solid research for back his statements as to what a person can do to give themself the best chance to live a longer life with enjoyment "
— Rob, 1/20/2014" Great advice on living a healthy life. Much of it is common sense, but the book helps you come up with a realistic way to live a more healthy life that best fits your own needs, rather than dictating a specific program. "
— Tracy, 1/19/2014" I love it, I love it, I love it. "
— Lynn, 1/13/2014" This is one of my favorite books --ever. I think everyone should read it, and its "sister" book, Thrive, also by Dan Buettner and The Element by Ken Robinson. There is a ton of food for thought & not the dry read you'd expect. "
— Tanya, 12/21/2013" If you've read this type of book before, there's probably not a whole lot of new information. The elderly folks are fascinating and a good reminder that old age doesn't have to be full of illness and loneliness. "
— Margaret, 11/20/2013" Quick read...I would like a little more science and a little less biography "
— Travis, 11/12/2013" I liked this one so much that I'm reading the follow-up book - Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way "
— Karen, 9/27/2013" It's about extreme longevity and the kind of lifestyles that are common to these four communities around the world where this extreme longevity has occurred. "
— Ron, 9/24/2013" Saw the author (Dan) speak at a conference a couple months ago. Reading his book ever since. Good stuff, love these longitudinal studies, and he was also a phenomenal speaker. Excellent book! "
— Amy, 6/10/2013" Cross cultural views on longevity, so simple and inspiring. "
— Mel, 4/7/2013" Great suggestions, but seem easier to follow in non-Western lifestyle type places. "
— Kristen, 1/16/2013" This really should have been an article rather than a book. "
— Simone, 2/13/2012" Interesting, practical, things we know we should be doing anyway. "
— Kathy, 11/29/2011" Common sense and interesting. Got a little redundant. "
— Robin, 11/25/2011" very interesting book about the lifestyles of centenarians, some practical advice for all of us, keep moving! "
— Eileen, 8/1/2011" This was a fun read. I don't think I can adopt all of the "blue zone" longevity tactics--I'm not giving up booze or hand grinding corn for tortillas--but it made me up my walking program to 5 miles a day. So that's something. The writing leaves a lot to be desired, but there's a lot to learn here. "
— Myev, 5/19/2011" easy read.. recommend to anyone remotely concerned for their health and longevity. "
— Maria, 5/9/2011" This book is a mixture of travelogue and exploration of factors associated with healthy aging in various regions of the world. "
— Erika, 4/21/2011" I had the honor of being at a conference where he was the key note speaker, and wow! He is very motivational! The book does a great job of reviewing and explaining all of the things he talked about. Good read for those looking for ideas to change their health and lifestyle. "
— Megan, 4/5/2011" Easy to read, this book includes some interesting evidence and conclusions to support traditional wisdom about living a long and happy life. I liked the personal interview encounters with the book subjects. "
— Nancy, 3/21/2011" I love it, I love it, I love it. "
— Lynn, 3/20/2011" Really liked this book - helps you revisit the things that seem important in living a good life. "
— Sarah, 3/8/2011" I thought this book could have been summed up easily in 3-4 pages. But it was interesting and I will definatly take some of the life lessons to heart. "
— Breanne, 2/23/2011" Awesome tips on how to live longer, healthier lives. I wish more people would read - and follow - them. "
— Becky, 2/6/2011" I was fascinated by this work and the general affirmation that the secret to longevity is tried and true, and yet so unattainable by most Americans in our modern environment. But there are tidbits each of us can take from this to live better into our older years, even if we don't surpass 100. "
— Laura, 1/11/2011Dan Buettner is the founder of Blue Zones, an organization that helps Americans live longer, healthier lives. His groundbreaking work on longevity led to his 2005 National Geographic cover story “Secrets of Living Longer” and two national bestsellers, The Blue Zones and Thrive. He lives in Minneapolis.
Michael McConnohie has appeared in soap operas, cartoons, prime-time television, and on stage. His audiobook readings have ranged from true crime to history, biography, science, self-help, and poetry. He has seen much of the world as a supervisor of foreign versions of major American films and has written and directed English versions of many prominent foreign films. He believes that a good book is a friend you can visit over and over again and always enjoy the conversation.