Experts suggest that incorporating daily habits, such as the 'Power Nine,' can promote a long, healthy life, regardless of the existence of 'Blue Zones.

Researchers are questioning the authenticity of blue zones, which are renowned for having the highest concentration of centenarians globally. For two decades, these regions, including Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, California, have captivated longevity enthusiasts.

In 2005, Dan Buettner, a National Geographic reporter, wrote about studying blue zones, regions with high concentrations of centenarians, which he coined after reading an academic paper on longevity in Sardinia, Italy published in 2004.

The five blue zones are:

• Okinawa, Japan
• Ikaria, Greece
• Nicoya, Costa Rica
• Loma Linda, Calif., U.S.
• Sardinia, Italy

The Power Nine, as identified by Buettner, are common practices among residents in these areas, including eating a mostly plant-based diet, having a purpose, prioritizing relationships, and belonging to a faith. These behaviors, according to Buettner, contribute to their longevity.

Saul Justin Newman, a researcher, argues that the high number of centenarians in blue zones may be due to pension fraud and inaccurate record keeping.

In 2019, a senior research fellow at the University College London Centre for Longitudinal Studies published a preprint paper about his findings on the areas in the world with the longest-living people in countries like the U.S. and Japan. The paper, which has not been peer-reviewed, focused on databases and identified places with high concentrations of centenarians and supercentenarians.

"In a recent episode of Vox Media podcast, "Today, Explained," Newman stated that he had mapped over 80% of the world's 110-year-olds. What was particularly striking was that these centenarians were not dying in regions with good health."

"The shared characteristic of most blue zones was terrible health, and surprisingly, that was where the centenarians in those regions were falling."

In some countries with blue zones, such as Japan and Greece, pension fraud and reports of "missing" centenarians were prevalent, as it was discovered by Newman.

The accuracy of birth certificates can be a problem when determining centenarians, as some may be missing or inaccurate, according to Newman, who spoke to NPR about this issue in demography.

"According to NPR, if you enter a hospital without proper documentation, there is no machine that can identify your age and provide a "bing!" notification. Therefore, if there are frequent errors in your paperwork, they may go unnoticed."

Buettner and his colleagues published a rebuttal on his website, stating that their research has validated four of the blue zones, namely Okinawa, Sardinia, Ikaria, and Nicoya, through strict demographic criteria.

To ensure the accuracy of birth records, Buettner frequently visits the blue zones and compares them with civil databases, handwritten church archives, and genealogical reconstructions, as reported by The New York Times.

Buettner acknowledged that Loma Linda was an exception to the blue zones mentioned in The New York Times article. The city was included in Buettner's initial National Geographic article due to his editor's instruction to find America's blue zone.

A longevity expert agrees with the philosophical viewpoint of those who live in that manner.

Despite debate over the effectiveness of blue zones, longevity researchers continue to support the practices identified by Buettner's research.

Dr. Frank Lipman, a longevity researcher and doctor of functional medicine, tells Make It that people who follow that lifestyle tend to do well, but he's unsure if the "blue zones" are truly blue zones.

"People in blue zones, who live with community, move their bodies, and find meaning in life, tend to do well."

Buettner has observed that many of the habits in blue zones have changed since he first conducted his research, which could negatively impact their longevity, according to The New York Times. He predicts that all blue zones will disappear within a generation or even a half a generation.

Buettner's "Power Nine" is supported by Lipman's longevity research, which reveals that the world's longest-living people tend to follow these nine common practices.

According to Lipman, his patients who adhere to these behaviors tend to lead healthier lives and have a longer lifespan.

• Having a purpose
• Surrounding themselves with community and love
• Practicing gratitude
• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding overeating
• Moving their bodies often
• Prioritizing their sleep

Lipman states that the factors present in Blue Zones are accurate and he observes the same impact on his patients.

"I concur with the philosophical notion of those who live that way, although I am uncertain if it is practiced in those regions."

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