How to Create Your Own Blue Zones

Two people shopping for produce in an open-air style market setting.

So maybe, after learning about blue zones, you’ve decided you’d like to live a healthier, longer life, too. But you don’t live in Ikaria, Greece or Sardinia, Italy. You live in Kansas City, a community known less for healthy lifestyles and more for barbeque. That’s no excuse though. One of Dan Buettner’s goals when he began studying the blue zones … Read More

How What You Eat may be Connected to Diabetes and Hearing Loss

Collection of foods to represent groups within the food pyramid.

The Link Between Diet and Hearing Loss When studying the five communities originally associated with the blue zones, diet quickly emerged as an important connection to a longer, healthier life. Surprisingly, diet also can play a key role for someone with hearing loss. How is it possible that what you eat is connected to how well you hear? One answer … Read More

How is Hearing Connected to Blue Zones?

Hearing specialist from Associated Audiologists operating specialized equipment while observing a test area, separated by a pane of glass.

Central to the blue zones concept is the fact that in each of the communities where people age so well, these individuals don’t live in isolation. Instead, they stay connected—connected to their spouse, children and extended family, friends and community. But in the United States and other industrialized countries where older adults are more isolated, depression, loneliness and even dementia … Read More

What Are Blue Zones and Why Are They Important?

A photo of an elderly mother with her daughter.

Blue Zones Around the World Just 100 years ago, it was considered a remarkable milestone for someone to celebrate their 100th birthday. Today, thanks to advancing medical technology and better health care, there are more centenarians than ever. But what’s their secret to a long life, and even more important, how can they not just add years to their life, … Read More