What do the world’s longest-lived places have in common with Butterfield?
In a handful of places around the world, people are recorded as living to 100 at unusually high rates – and they seem to do it without really trying. Demographers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain coined the term “blue zone” after pinpointing Sardinia, Italy, as home to the highest concentration of male centenarians. Journalist and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buettner further popularized the idea, working with researchers to identify additional longevity hot spots.
Not every scientist agrees on the details, particularly how reliably birth dates were recorded in certain regions. Yet everyday habits these communities share correlate with decades of broad research on healthy aging. The lesson isn’t about strict diets or special workouts. It’s about the way people live.
The common threads: People move naturally each day through gardening, visiting neighbors and keeping up with chores. Their plates are filled with beans, greens and vegetables – and when meat appears, it’s more of an accent. They stay close to family and friends, contribute to their community and rise each morning with a sense of purpose.
Butterfield weaves many of these habits into daily life. Fitness classes and the hiking program keep residents moving and having fun. Social events and gatherings make it easy to build close friendships. Classes, lectures and programming keep minds curious and engaged. And residents find purpose in countless ways, from structured volunteerism to lending a hand to a neighbor down the hall. Blue Zones remind us that a long, healthy life isn’t built in a single moment. It’s built through small choices that are part of us, every day.
In October, Butterfield residents and staff traveled to Sardinia to experience the region’s lifestyle firsthand. Village strolls, long meals and time with people who make a long life look effortless will help spark fresh ideas for our campus – and who knows? The next Blue Zone may be right here in Fayetteville.
Five Places with Common Patterns
Sardinia, Italy: In isolated mountain villages, shepherds and farmers walk steep terrain daily. They raise and grow much of what they eat in a mostly plant-based diet, stay closely connected and enjoy wine in moderation.
Okinawa, Japan: Okinawans have historically experienced lower rates of cancer, heart disease and dementia. They have a strong sense of purpose and responsibility – reasons to get up each day. Most garden, walk often and stay devoted to a lifelong circle of friends.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: Residents share a strong plan de vida, built on feeling needed and contributing to the community. They eat light, stay socially engaged, laugh often and take pride in doing physical work.
Ikaria, Greece: On this Aegean island, dementia rates are notably low. Rugged terrain keeps people naturally active, and meals follow a Mediterranean-style diet. Residents drink herbal teas, nap and observe religious fasts for much of the year.
Loma Linda, California: In this Seventh-day Adventist community, plant-based eating and a weekly Sabbath rest are linked to living up to a decade longer than the average American. Residents exercise and find purpose through volunteering.
