BLUE ZONE RESEARCH
The concept of a Blue Zone is defined by personal longevity, good mental and physical health and the contentedness of the people who dwell there. The original Blue Zones are Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California). These were certified by Dan Buettner, as part of Brown University (RI)'s research on longevity (2005)
Other areas have been nominated as Blue Zones because they support the Blue Zone Outcomes, but may not be ‘certifiable’ Blue Zones by the research definition
The seven generally accepted characteristics of a Blue Zone are:
1. Clean air
2. Pure water and balanced, organic diet: 95% non - meat protein
3. Mindfulness culture: Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation
4. “Stilling” engagements: eg Painting, Reading, Knitting, Modelling, Singing
5. Natural rhythms : Gardening, Walking, Activity, Cooking
6. Social Engagement
7. Sense of Purpose
Bibliography
https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/live-longer-and-healthier-blue-zone-lifestyle
Update January 2026
As the Blue Zone concept has been developed and more projects have been recognized the original criteria have been extended. Further research is necessary to substantiate claims for some of the new categories. In particular: Wine at 5: Moderate, regular consumption of alcohol (typically red wine) with friends or food.
Belong: Active participation in a faith-based community.
The original seven BZ criteria should be rigorously challenged and developed.
For example. the impact of type of pure and sufficient Water, is a strong candidate for review.
Moreover, recent research suggests that longevity claims in some Blue Zone projects (such as Lorma Linda in California) are affected by confounding variables. Further additions such as the "Power of 9" are likely to be affected by compounding variables.