Wow, time definitely flies! I can’t believe Thanksgiving just ended, and there’s only about one month until a new year. This year, I’m especially thankful to be healthy. I’m also grateful for this blog, and YOU, reading right now!
Ikaria is the third blue zone I will be discussing in this series, which means this is the halfway point! I think I will continue discussing the Blue Zones in every other post, with a different topic in between. Interestingly so, all the blue zones so far have been islands, including Ikaria. Quick facts:
According to the Blue Zones website, Ikarians are “almost entirely dementia free.” How do they stay so healthy, physically and mentally? A strict mediterranean diet could be a factor. As you are probably familiar, a mediterranean diet consists of many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, along with some seafood and poultry. The Ikarian diet focuses more on the plant-based aspects of this diet. Living in a mountainous region, Ikarians get regular physical activity simply by walking up and down the mountainside to a friend’s house or grocery store. Furthermore, Ikarians are very sociable and welcoming, and social connections are definitely important as one ages. Lasting friendships and community bonds have been a common pattern across all the blue zones so far. Another interesting point of study is the shifting through generations. Though Ikaria is isolated, creating a culture and tradition-rich atmosphere, tourism is becoming more popular, influencing people’s way of life. Younger generations could be deviating away from their ancestors’ traditional lifestyle, through adapting modern technology and a mainstream lifestyle. However, genetics also plays a role in longevity, emphasizing the need to take into account many factors with regards to the topic. Nevertheless, I think comparing the lifespans of subsequent generations will be interesting to study and could help provide a picture of the factors that influence longevity to a greater extent.
1 Comment
Yanni
12/16/2020 05:25:21 pm
Interesting article. I wish to visit this island place some day in future.
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