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

Related Content

• Minnesota bar owner was driving with 0.34 blood alcohol level at time of fatal crash
  May 18, 2012
• Got Flaxmilk? North Dakota farmers create a new dairy alternative
  July 28, 2011
• Michelle Marie VanRiper charged with forging tornado checks
  July 2, 2010
• Farmer Bruce Andersland creates giant heart of poop for his wife
  February 12, 2010
• This week's cover: Dan Buettner's Blue Zones
  February 2, 2010

More About

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

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter: Our weekly feature stories, movie reviews, calendar picks and more - minus the newsprint and sent directly to your inbox.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

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.