The Secret to Healthy, Happy Longevity- revealed

"The key to getting the extra 10 years we're missing is to follow the lessons from world's longest-lived people and create environments of health." reports Dave Buettner, Blue Zones Founder. Being recently introduced to the Blue Zones concept (which I naturally believe in) I went online and took the test to see how long I might live or what I could do to live longer. www.bluezone.com.

Happily I can report that I am 7 years physically younger than my age (I always knew that) and will live to be at least 95  - no wonder I need to save more for retirement. Having a younger child as an older parent, however, I have the goal to live to be 112. This requires me to do more. Here are the keys to living healthier longer.

"The key to getting the extra 10 years we're missing is to follow the lessons from world's longest-lived people and create environments of health." Blue Zone website.

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.

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

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.

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.

Carolyn Friedman sent me a recent article that provides 25 tips for longevity that are worth reading and posting on your wall. Some small and some a bit more challenging, and all doable. A few examples include; Family, Purpose, Taking it down a notch, drink pomegranate juice, sweet potatoes, yoga, and gardening are just a few great ideas I believe in.

In closer examination, our new book, Courage and Croissants, Inspiring Joyful Living shows how the same factors to creating joy in your life also will help you to live longer and healthier.

Take a break and go to www.bluezones.com and take the test. Check out the 25 tips and pick a few that might make a difference in your life and the life of your family, friends, and kids.

For today, get out in this beautiful spring sunshine and take a walk!