Schedule a TourWhat if the key to a longer life is simpler than you think? Spanning from the sun-kissed hills of Sardinia to the tranquil coasts of Okinawa, five distinct global locations—recognized as the Blue Zones—demonstrate that people not only achieve greater longevity but also Live Life Well, experiencing vitality, purpose, and happiness extending into their nineties and beyond.
The Blue Zones were initially pinpointed in 2004 through the collaborative efforts of Dan Buettner, National Geographic, the National Institute on Aging, and the foremost longevity experts worldwide. In these regions, individuals celebrate 100th birthdays at a rate 10x greater than in the United States. They also maintain their vigor well into their nineties and beyond, enjoying active and fulfilling lives.
Although blue zone communities are located across the globe, Buettner’s team discovered nine common traits shared by these individuals that contribute to Living Life Well.
Curious how they do it? We’ve identified nine surprisingly straightforward daily routines prevalent in these long-living communities—and how you can integrate them into your own lifestyle, especially here at Village on the Park Denton.
Spoiler alert: It’s not about trendy diets or endless workouts…it’s about community, meaning, and equilibrium.
While relocating to Ikaria might not be practical, we can adopt some of their healthy habits into our own lives. For this month’s Passport to Adventure Destination, we turn our attention to Ikaria, Greece, one of the Blue Zones! Our residents will enjoy a variety of enriching activities here at Village on the Park Denton inspired by this remarkable island.
Interested in joining the excitement of our Monthly Passport to Adventure destinations? Schedule a tour!
Spring is here! And with the change in season comes many opportunities to Live Life Well, including longer days to enjoy the sun. It’s more than just a feeling; the sun’s impact on our bodies is scientifically profound.
Maybe the most well-known benefit, sunlight triggers the production of Vitamin D in our skin. This essential vitamin plays a critical role in calcium absorption, which is vital for maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing Vitamin D, making sun exposure even more important. According to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, approximately 54 million Americans have osteoporosis and low bone mass, highlighting the importance of Vitamin D intake.
Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors who may experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression, or other mood-related challenges.
Sunlight helps regulate our circadian rhythm, the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. By exposing yourself to sunlight during the day, you can improve your sleep quality at night. This is especially important for seniors, as sleep patterns can change with age.
Sunlight is important for supporting immune function. We all know Vitamin D plays an important role in supporting the immune system but, research from Georgetown University Medical Center found that sunlight, through a mechanism separate than vitamin D production, energizes T cells that play a central role in immunity too. Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for seniors to ward off illness and maintain overall health.
According to the National Institute of Health, Vitamin D can reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Getting adequate sun exposure, and thus sufficient vitamin D, could contribute to keeping minds sharp.
At Village on the Park Denton, we understand the importance of creating spaces that maximize natural light. Our residences feature expansive windows and thoughtfully designed communal areas that allow you to bask in the sun’s warmth and enjoy scenic views.
Our beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces and activities promote walks with neighbors, outdoor social gatherings, or relaxing with a good book while soaking up the sun. Additionally, we offer outings to local Denton parks and scenic areas off campus.
While the benefits of sunlight are important, it’s essential to practice safe sun exposure. We recommend you:
At Village on the Park Denton, we’re committed to providing a lifestyle that promotes holistic wellness. By embracing the simple yet powerful benefits of sunlight, you can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We invite you to experience the warmth and vitality of our community, where every day is an opportunity to live life well.
Come soak in the beauty of Spring with us! Schedule a tour.