Dan Buettner's Blue Zones teach nine secrets of a longer life

Family first

Sardinians would be ashamed to place their elders in a retirement home. Okinawans pray to their ancestors each day. People who center their lives on family are generally happier, Buettner says. Create rituals and spend time together.

Nick Vlcek

Dan Buettner

courtesy of Dan Buettner

In Guatemala, Buettner and his team of scientists probed the reasons for the fall of the ancient Maya.

Details

Slideshow: 9 Steps to longer life

Reporter's Notebook: Have Buettner's charmed life

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More About

• Danny Buettner
• Dan Buettner
• Joel Spoonheim
• Geriatric Medicine
• Longevity and Healthy Aging

Find your people

Studies show that people become like one another as they spend time together. So surround yourself with people who are committed to you and who support your healthy choices. Be likeable. Identify your inner circle and invest in those friendships—find a regular time to meet and share your lives.