Schedule a TourWhat if the answer to a longer existence was simpler than you thought? Spanning from the sun-drenched hills of Sardinia to the tranquil shores of Okinawa, five distinct global locations—recognized as the Blue Zones—demonstrate that individuals not only achieve greater longevity but also Live Life Well, experiencing vitality, purpose, and happiness extending well into their nineties and beyond.
The Blue Zones were initially pinpointed in 2004 through the collaborative efforts of Dan Buettner, National Geographic, the National Institute on Aging, and the foremost longevity experts worldwide. In these regions, individuals celebrate 100th birthdays at a rate 10x greater than in the United States. They also maintain their vigor well into their nineties and beyond, enjoying active and fulfilling lifestyles.
Although blue zone communities are located across the globe, Buettner’s team discovered nine common traits shared by these individuals that contribute to Living Life Well.
Curious about their lifestyle? We’ve identified nine surprisingly straightforward daily routines prevalent in these long-living communities—and how you can integrate them into your own lifestyle, especially here at Spring Creek Village.
Spoiler alert: It’s not about trendy diets or endless workouts…it’s about community, meaning, and equilibrium.
While relocating to Ikaria might not be practical, we can adopt some of their healthy habits into our own lives. For this month’s Passport to Adventure Destination, we turn our attention to Ikaria, Greece, one of the Blue Zones! Our residents will enjoy a variety of enriching activities here at Spring Creek Village inspired by this remarkable island.
Interested in joining the excitement of our Monthly Passport to Adventure destinations? Schedule a tour!
The spring season brings about many chances to Live Life Well, namely by taking advantage of the longer daylight hours. It’s more than a feeling; The effect of sunlight on our bodies is very impactful.
Possibly its most well known advantage, sunlight facilitates Vitamin D creation in our skin. This necessary vitamin helps with calcium absorption, which is vital for keeping bone density and preventing osteoporosis. As people age, their body’s ability to create Vitamin D decreases, which makes sun exposure even more important. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, which points out the importance of Vitamin D intake.
Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be especially helpful for seniors who may experience seasonal affective disorder, depression, or other mood related challenges.
Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. By exposing yourself to sunlight during the day, you can improve your sleep quality at night. This is particularly important for older adults, as sleep patterns can change with age.
Sunlight is important for supporting immune functions. We all know Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting the immune system, but research from Georgetown University Medical Center also discovered that sunlight, through a mechanism separate from vitamin D production, energizes T cells that play a central role in immunity too. Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for seniors to ward off illness and maintain overall health.
According to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin D can reduce the risk of cognitive decline Getting adequate sun exposure, and therefore sufficient vitamin D, could contribute to keeping minds sharp.
At Spring Creek Village, we understand the importance of creating areas that maximize natural light. Our residences feature large windows and thoughtfully structured communal spaces that allow you to enjoy the sun’s warmth and scenic views.
Our beautifully landscaped outdoor areas and activities encourage walks with neighbors, outdoor social gatherings, or relaxing with a good book while soaking up the sun. Additionally, we offer outings to local McKinney parks and scenic areas off campus.
While the benefits of sunlight are important, it’s essential to practice safe sun exposure. We recommend:
At Spring Creek Village, we’re committed to providing a lifestyle that promotes holistic wellness. By utilizing the simple yet powerful benefits of sunlight, you can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We invite you to experience the warmth and vitality of our community, where every day is an opportunity to live a fulfilling life.
Come soak in the beauty of Spring with us! Schedule a tour.