If you’re like me, you think about how to live a long healthy life. You make time to reflect on the end of one year and the ushering in of the next. And while it’s true we’ve all been through our share of challenges this past year, they really don’t compare to what the longest living people in the world have been through in their lifetime: world wars, famines, and even the threat of extinction. These irrepressible men and women survived with four notable traits that, remarkably, fit into the ASEA lifestyle.
So what can we learn from these people? And how do the traits they share fit into the ASEA lifestyle?
The Awesome Foursome: 4 keys to living a long healthy life
1. Meaningful activities.
The word Ikigai for the Japanese Okinawans and plan de vida for the Nicoyans in Costa Rica roughly translated means “life plan”. And according to a study published in The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, knowing your sense of purpose can equate to upwards of seven years of extra life expectancy.
Staying engaged in meaningful work, whether employment or volunteerism, is an important characteristic of long-lived people. One of the reasons I am dedicated to my work as a brand ambassador for ASEA is their commitment to bringing the highest quality breakthrough products to the world. Being a part of ASEA allows an opportunity to share these life-changing products with others.
2. Strong social connections.
Another trait of the longest-lived people in the world is having a strong social network. And ASEA fits that bill with its network marketing, direct selling opportunities, social groups, weekly calls, and a host of virtual friends and supporters you’ve never met! ASEA powers potential because it nurtures a purpose in living, a purpose in working, and through important social connections.
3. A healthy diet.
Sadly, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in many countries of the world. You would be wise to structure your diet and lifestyle in such a way as to mitigate this threat. Don’t think it can’t happen to you!
A diet rich in quality, natural foods, especially those that increase HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the “good” cholesterol) is a noted characteristic of Blue Zone diets. ASEA® VIA® Omega, fits the bill for this particular Blue Zones trait, as it supports cardiovascular (and brain) health by providing the critical omega-3 fatty acids with natural ratios of EPA and DHA.*
Other ASEA vitamin and mineral products round out the nutrients that are missing in the majority of non-Blue Zone diets. These rejuvenating products include ASEA® VIA® Source, a valuable whole-food micronutrient complex; ASEA® VIA® Biome, a probiotic and prebiotic complex; and ASEA® VIA® LifeMax, an active lifestyle support complex.*
4. Daily low-intensity workouts.
Many of the men and women who live in the world’s designated Blue Zones are not gym members and don’t lift weights. Instead, they garden, walk wherever they go, climb steps, hike steep hills, and, in general, fill their days with movement. Recommended guidelines suggest a minimum of 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
The ASEA lifestyle allows for this, too. It’s as easy as inviting a friend, neighbor, or colleague to go on a walk with you. Or simply hop on the treadmill or jump on a rebounder as you watch the latest inspirational video or listen to a podcast. Find creative ways to MOVE throughout your day.
You’ll be surprised at how good you feel when you incorporate these simple steps into your daily routine for long healthy life. Whether or not you are a citizen of one of the world’s official Blue Zones, you can be part of a community that embraces the Blue Zone habits. Let ASEA be your pathway to a full life!
* Product range varies according to availability in your market.
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.