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sallyreb 's review for:
The Blue Zones of Happiness: A Blueprint for a Better Life
by Dan Buettner
I first read about the Blue Zones, areas in the world where people have the longest lifespans, in National Geographic a decade or so ago. Since then I’ve been intrigued with learning more about how these cultures and communities support longevity and well-being.
Blue Zones - 5 geographic areas where people statistically live longest:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists)
This book offered a look at how those living in Blue Zones arranged social institutions, community, and their daily lives to support happiness. Dan Buettner, the author, notes that there are three distinct, yet interrelated, strands of happiness that compliment one another and create happiness: pleasure, purpose, and pride.
There were practical tips that anyone could apply:
- Socialize at least 6 hours a day (work with people you like)
- Bike / walk to work (commuting makes us so, so unhappy)
- Sit on your front porch (engage in the community)
There are individual choices one can make (exercising, eating fruits and vegetables), however a large portion of what impacts individual happiness is based on social institutions, government and the environment. The way nations, neighborhoods, and family households organize directly influence individual well-being. Individual happiness is intimately related to the governmental and cultural values.
Blue Zones - 5 geographic areas where people statistically live longest:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Icaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventists)
This book offered a look at how those living in Blue Zones arranged social institutions, community, and their daily lives to support happiness. Dan Buettner, the author, notes that there are three distinct, yet interrelated, strands of happiness that compliment one another and create happiness: pleasure, purpose, and pride.
There were practical tips that anyone could apply:
- Socialize at least 6 hours a day (work with people you like)
- Bike / walk to work (commuting makes us so, so unhappy)
- Sit on your front porch (engage in the community)
There are individual choices one can make (exercising, eating fruits and vegetables), however a large portion of what impacts individual happiness is based on social institutions, government and the environment. The way nations, neighborhoods, and family households organize directly influence individual well-being. Individual happiness is intimately related to the governmental and cultural values.