“Have and purpose and knowing exactly what your values are will add additional years to your life.”

National Geographic identified hot spots of longevity throughout the world, including Ikaria Greece, Okinawa Japan, Ogliastra Region Sardinia, Loma Linda California and Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica.

After assessing the longest-lived population, Dan Buettner and team identified similar practices and lifestyles. The common denominators included in what they call the “Power Nine.” They included:

1. Move naturally – create a daily lifestyle that incorporates physical activity
2. Know your purpose – strengthen your faith, spirituality and know why you are here
3. Down shift – simply put, consider simplifying your life and at times slowing down and doing less
4. 80% rule – eat until you are 80% full and eat what you need, not what you want.
5. Plant-slant – Consume a mostly unprocessed whole-food, plant-based diet (95% plant based and up to 5% animal based if desired)
6. Wine @ 5 – if you consume wine or other alcoholic beverages keep them low-moderate consumption
7. Family first – place an emphasis on valuing and spending quality time with family.
8. Belong – Be an integral part of your community and add value to other community members
9. Right tribe – spend time and surround yourself with people who have your best interest and help you become the best version of yourself

Reflect on which of the above areas you can place a greater emphasis on. Please remember, it is not all or nothing, you have a spectrum of choices. Make the choice to live healthy, now and forever!

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