Unit IV

              According to Life Cycle Nutrition by Quizlet.com, Compression of Mobility is defined as "delaying disabilities caused by chronic disease in adulthood."  That definition ties in perfectly with the Blue Zones website.  Here you can read about research conducted in regions around the world on aging.  I found it extremely interesting how these areas had so many things in common.                       

            Dan Buettner's research in Okinawa took a young woman named Sayoko from her home and successful life in Tokyo to the small island.  Here she and Dan meet Ushi, a 104 year old woman that lived a simple life in a fishing village.  Ushi's advice for living a long life was to be welcoming of strangers, unusual in Japan.  She also said she prepared all her meals with love, and was not "chasing the carrot" anymore.  When asked what her secret would be specifically, her reply was, "work hard, drink mugwort sake before bed, and get a good night's sleep."  Sayoko was so inspired by her simple, stress free way of life that she left her job to become a full time mother.
            In The Sardinian Blue Zone, researchers discovered a genetic marker that narrowed the population down to the same ancestor's.  35% of the population had this M26 genetic marker.  According to the article, "It suggests that the Sardinians' lifestyle in the Blue Zone hasn't changed much since the time of Christ."  What this area did have in common with the Okinawa fishing village is the isolation, tight knit community, simplistic living and diet.  This region also had the largest population of centurions than anywhere else in the world.
            The Blue Zone also had some good advice in the Power 90 and Thrive Centers.  After researching "Blue Zones" around the globe, or more specifically, areas with a healthy population of seniors living well into their 90's and past 100, the researchers gathered the information and developed these lists.  What I noted about the list was how all these regions shared many similarities.  Having a purpose in life, good diet, including some alcohol of some kind everyday to a minimum, surrounded by family, friends and community, and moving naturally were the common theme.
            LOE-"Doing It My Way: Old Women, Technology, and Wellbeing," is an article that questions how we as a society can get our nonagenarians into the age of technology.  "Some elders prefer to be sedentary or home bound, and technologies like reclining chairs and walkers can be used to support this goal."  This reminded me of my friend Patty, a 74 year old woman that has been single her whole life and has no family.  She lives alone and considers her broken down car to be a symbol of independence.  It doesn't matter that it has not run in years, isn't registered, inspected or insured.  I worry about her constantly, but the suggestion that she join some kind of community is not an option.  She prefers to be alone.  This article made me think of her, and how my own 71 year old mother is so different.  She too lives alone, but was married, had a family and is surrounded by community.  Both have physical ailments, yet one chooses to wallow in her misery while the other gets out and enjoys life despite the obstacles.
            Looking at my own longevity through the Vitality Compass, I'm expected to live to the ripe old age of 78.4.  It also noted that I could live an additional 13.9 years if I made the life choices the site suggested.  One of those areas was religion.  I am religious, but not associated to any particular community.  I don't think it took into account communities I do belong to that would give me that aspect.  In addition, both sides of my family have longevity, although that wasn't always healthy.  Again, I note my own mother's battle with cancer, yet looking at her one would never know.  I myself have already crossed that road, as well as my daughter.  It was easily remedied and we all continue to take care of ourselves.  Unfortunately, this was another indicator used with this formula.  My feeling about this is simple, if I live life to the fullest until the age of 78, then I'm happy.  I have no desire to exist.  That would be an end to my life as far as I'm concerned.  The True Happiness Test gave me a B+.  As a single mother, I have four children and two grandchildren whose success is my responsibility.  Of course I could improve that grade if they were older, successful and independent.  My oldest is out of the house with her children, but I suppose I will always worry about her until she is truly happy and fully on her feet.  Someday, maybe when I'm 77!