The secret to living a longer life isn’t found in some elixir or fountain of youth. Rather, it’s said to be found in Blue Zones. Blue Zones are the five regions in the world where people are known to live long, healthy lives. These areas are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece and Loma Linda, California. Here, the foods people eat aren’t just part of some diet - it’s a way of life. The term Blue Zone was popularised by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic journalist who travelled the world studying the cultures of these thriving communities. In a 2020 master class hosted by the Global Wellness Summit, Buettner shared the foundation of living in a Blue Zone: “The big epiphany of all these Blue Zones is that long-lasting health is very rarely successfully pursued; it ensues.” Now, not everyone can pack their bags and whisk themselves off to Italy, but there are many ways to adapt your daily routine to the Blue Zone lifestyle. Here’s what we can learn from these regions: Fibre, fibre, fibre Foods rich in fibre are prominently featured in the diets of those living in a Blue Zone. Beans and whole grains like brown rice and quinoa are high-fibre ingredients that can lengthen your life. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes are also natural sources of fibre. Fibre plays a key role in promoting gut health, managing your weight, and reducing cholesterol levels. Research shows that children and adults need at least 20 to 30 grams of fibre per day, but most Americans get only about 15 grams a day. Whether it’s garbanzo beans in Greek hummus to black beans in Costa Rican soup, increasing your fibre intake is key to living a longer life. Move naturally You don’t need to work out at the gym five times a week to increase your longevity. In fact, residents in Blue Zone areas rarely workout at all, as their exercise mostly comes from activities done throughout the day, such as walking and gardening. Incorporating 20 minutes of movement in your daily routine is just one way to live the Blue Zone lifestyle. Maintain a positive outlook On average, Americans spend nearly five to six hours on their phones a day, from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to bed. Instead, begin your daily routine with a positive meditation, or separate the work day with mini stress breaks. In Blue Zones, residents shed their stress by engaging in sacred daily rituals, such as remembering their ancestors in Okinawa or taking naps in Costa Rica. Or, do like the Sardinians do: happy hour. Connect with others Curating a social circle is one of the main pillars of living in a Blue Zone. In an era of Zoom calls and work from home, connecting with those around us has proven to be a little more difficult than in years past. Even if it’s just a small group, engaging with others who keep you active, eat a similar high-fibre diet, and care about you on a bad day can help you live until you’re 100. Read More 11 best healthy food subscription boxes delivered right to your door 10 best exercise bikes for smashing your fitness goals at home Five waste-free recipes to take your Veganuary up a notch What are Blue Zones and how do they impact your health? Three healthy recipes to get back on track after summer Best burgers in London: Where to eat top patties in the city

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codes including active and expired items.

Details on when the upcoming Mythic Plus Dungeons become available in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight.

Shaun White deserves a gold medal for helping girlfriend Nina Dobrev prepare for new role

By Sarah Morland The Dominican Republic is ready to restart a decommissioned canal off a river shared with

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Jackman have decided to end their marriage after 27 years and two children, the pair told People magazine Friday

Ally Brooke has found recording a festive track with her former Fifth Harmony bandmate Dinah Jane to be "fantastic healing".

Dr Blair Peters was one of the first two fellows in gender-affirming surgery at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees won the AL Cy Young unanimously, his first. However, Cole and the Yankees are nearing a crossroads.

A 12-foot great white shark was spotted off the coast of South Carolina this week, about a year after it was detected near the New Jersey shore.

Chelsea are close to striking a deal to sign Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson.

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call-to-action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun.