Emperor Qin Shi Huang sought the elixir of immortality by sending people across the oceans, while in modern times, people aspire to longevity and good health through supplements and various medical interventions. However, Dr. Vincent Hsu, former Minister of Health and Welfare of the Republic of China and current CEO of AHMC Healthcare, believes that the best way to maintain health starts with daily life. He emphasizes that longevity and health are not solely determined by genetics but are heavily influenced by accumulated lifestyle choices.
AHMC Healthcare and Taipei Medical University jointly held a “Taiwan Healthcare Seminar” at the Overseas Community Center in Los Angeles on Friday, June 12. Dr. Hsu talked about the “Everyday Health Revolution: Six Pillars to Make You Healthier,” delving into the keys to preventing chronic diseases and drawing inspiration from the global-famous “Blue Zones” lifestyle to encourage the Chinese community to start reshaping their health and extending their healthy lifespans through small daily habits.
Dr. Hsu pointed out during the seminar that around 76% of global deaths are closely related to chronic diseases. However, most chronic diseases are not irreversible but are closely linked to an individual’s lifestyle choices. To help people prevent diseases in today’s fast-paced society, Dr. Hsu presented the six pillars of health, which include a healthy diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, stress management, social connections, and staying away from substance abuse.
Dr. Hsu cited the “Blue Zones” introduced by National Geographic and research teams as an example during the seminar. These designated areas are where a small number of residents exceptionally live long lives, with a significantly higher number of centenarians compared to average regions.
The globally recognized top five Blue Zones include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, the only Blue Zone in the United States located near Los Angeles. Residents in these areas not only have longer lifespans but also have lower rates of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and dementia.
Research reveals that despite vast differences in cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and living conditions of residents in Blue Zones, they all exhibit similar lifestyle patterns. For instance, elderly individuals in Okinawa, Japan, practice the “Hara Hachi Bu” principle of eating until 80% full and engage in a culture of mutual assistance among friends.
Residents in Sardinia, Italy, have a high level of physical activity due to mountainous pastoral living and close-knit multigenerational family structures. Those in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, have a clear sense of life purpose, while inhabitants of Ikaria, Greece, follow a philosophy of slow living and afternoon naps.
In Loma Linda, California, residents predominantly are Christians with devout faith, maintain a vegetarian diet, abstain from smoking and drinking, and observe a fixed day of rest.
Residents in these Blue Zones typically consume a plant-based diet, engage in regular walking, maintain close family and social relationships, possess clear life goals, and understand how to manage stress and maintain overall balance in body and mind.
Dr. Hsu emphasized that the longevity secrets of Blue Zone residents align closely with the core principles of Lifestyle Medicine in modern times. This branch of medicine stresses that preventing chronic diseases and healthy aging cannot solely rely on medications but must focus on optimizing various aspects such as diet, exercise, sleep, and social interactions.
He believes that Blue Zones are not artificially created but are the natural results of Lifestyle Medicine operating in the real world over long periods. Longevity is not a mystery but a lifestyle choice that can be learned and practiced. Dr. Hsu said, “As long as you are willing to make small adjustments starting from your daily life, everyone has the opportunity to create their own Blue Zone in the city they reside in.” ◇