If you have not read the book The Blue Zones, we recommend you do! Author Dan Buettner researched and wrote about the cultures that possess the highest incidence of longevity, i.e. many living into their 100’s. One of his recent articles discusses an interview he had with Panchita from Costa Rica. Let’s discuss her words of wisdom to improve longevity:
- Do your own yard work – it provides free exercise! We are so blessed in SW Florida to be able to get outside 365 days per year! We enjoy working in our yard too. We like to take cuttings from our succulents and plant them in interesting pottery. We grow herbs and a few vegetables. We add a variety of colorful flowers throughout the yard that we can use for table bouquets for dinner parties. Our latest venture has been making “yard art” from glassware, plates, pedestals etc. – found in our own home or at consignment shops.
- Eat beans and corn tortillas every day – combined they provide complete protein. Adding beans to your daily food intake provides additional fiber, vegetarian protein source, and loads of nutrients. We like roasted spiced garbanzo beans for a snack or to add to salads. We also enjoy refried beans, black bean and corn salad, and beans and rice. We encourage you to find ways to add beans to your diet!
- Go to church. This lovely centenarian walks to her village every Sunday to give thanks and to connect with friends. We cannot stress the importance of having a grateful heart and sharing life with your “tribe.” Studies support this!
- Be generous. Our centenarian lived on a very limited budget, yet she offered a meal to any visitor. While society tells us to achieve more, make more money, gain more toys – to be happy – there is no proof that this does us any good. People end up working to get more and often feel miserable and defeated because they do not achieve true happiness. There is scientific evidence showing a link in the brain between giving and happiness. Researchers determined that generosity improved the level of happiness.
- Make everyday a festival. She dresses and prepares for a beautiful day, every day. Wake up. Get up. Dress up. It does the body good.
- Make friends with children. She has kids stopping by daily to check on her and she provides them with love and treats! Nothing beats being friends with children. You can learn a lot about yourself and them! Such joy!
- Thank God for what you have, not what you do not have. This woman could hardly see yet was always delighted in hearing the voices of her visitors. Have a grateful heart.
- Do not rely on lovers – they will let you down. Develop independence but retain and foster the love you have for others in your heart.
Note: When Dan took Dr. Oz to meet her, he discovered that her doctors had her on the wrong medicine. When he changed it, she was then able to see. As you can imagine, she cried with joy!
Consider changing your focus. Think more outward and less inward. Be intentional and improvements will happen!
