A couple of weeks ago Thom and I visited the happiest place on Earth (aka: Disneyland.) Like most who grew up in Southern California, both Thom and I have frequented the park dozens of times through the years. And because 2017 is our 40th Anniversary year, it seemed fitting to go back to a place where we experienced a great deal of happiness in the early part of our marriage. Is it still happy? Yes and no. Sure, the magic of Disneyland cannot be denied. But at the same time, the property is packed in December with mobs of kids and adults. So, is it the place—or our attitude, that makes Disneyland happy? Fortunately, a new book titled, The Blue Zones of Happiness helps to make sense of the paradox. According to the author, Dan Buettner, our individual happiness is more than just our attitude. He goes on to explain how the right communities, combined with a few individual traits, best delivers a happy and meaningful life.
Ever since Blue Zones caught my attention a few months ago, I’ve been intrigued. In my first post about them, I explained how in several countries around the world most residents live much longer and healthier than all other places on the planet. By recognizing those elements unique to the locations, and incorporating certain actions into our own lives, we too can influence our health and longevity regardless of where we live. Buettner and colleagues have since gone on to create The Blue Zone Project where they attempt to guide and teach communities around the U.S. ways to create their own Blue Zones for the good of their citizens.
In this new book, Dan Buettner goes further by recognizing that the connection between health and happiness is a two-way street. Not only are we happier when we are healthy, when we are happy we take much better care of ourselves. We eat better, exercise more, wear seat belts more often, take our medicines when necessary, get checkups, stay social, and have stronger immune systems. As Buettner learned, “Being happy actually helps you to become healthier.” This new book insists that Blue Zones aren’t just about longevity—instead they offer insight into how we can all learn to create happier lives.
But what does Buettner mean by happiness, or as he frequently calls it, “Subjective Well-being?” After recognizing that happiness is usually a combination of factors, Buettner boils it down to three basic strands of well-being. He believes that when these strands are woven together they most often create a life of deep fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction that most would define as happy. Simply stated, the three “P’s” of happiness are:
Pleasure—how many times do you laugh or feel joy in any given day?
Purpose—what gets you up and keeps you going all day long?
Pride—how satisfied are you with your accomplishments and your position in life?
To explain these happiness threads even further, Buettner offers examples from three Blue Zone locations that embody each trait. From Costa Rica, he shares how the cultural mindset of “Pura Vida” translates to both “pure life” and it’s “all good.” According to Buettner, “Costa Ricans excel at getting the most joy out of their days,” and have “found a sweet spot between making a living and savoring it.” Residents live with great year-round weather, the highest Latin American Literacy Rates, low corruption, universal health care, social security, clean water, an abundance of fresh food and vegetables, nearly free education, and a culture based upon equality. Another important factor is that rather than support a military, the country pours all resources into developing programs for its citizens.
The second Blue Zone example is Denmark. Danes never have to worry about health care, education, child care, retirement, or a military so they are free to pursue jobs they love and enjoy plenty of recreation time. They are highly social and even though they pay some of the highest taxes in the world, that trade-off provides them with pursuits that “feed the soul” rather than pad their bank accounts or flatter their egos. Danes blend the happiness strands of pleasure and pride—offering an example of how those two combine to create a happy life.
The final Blue Zone example comes from Singapore. Here, over the years, the people of Singapore have created one of the healthiest, most long-lived, cleanest, wealthiest, least corrupt and happiest countries in Asia. Overall, Singaporeans embrace the strand of pride as their defining value. Buettner says, that most Singaporeans are “hugely successful, community-minded, consummately principled and irrepressibly affable.” Life satisfaction in Singapore puts emphasis on how well you do, as opposed to how well you feel, and that often takes years to accomplish along with sacrificing moment-to-moment daily pleasures.
After studying hundreds of people who live in Blue Zones, Buettner lists many behaviors that we can use to enhance our own personal happiness. Most are ideas are plain common sense, yet it is important to recognize that sound research backs up his claims. Plus, Buettner is convinced that it is a combination of all these attributes that bring about the greatest experience of wellbeing and happiness. His top recommendations include:
- Find and live in the right community.
- Volunteer on a regular basis.
- Find someone to love.
- Sleep 7.5+ hours a night.
- Learn something new and interesting every day
- Set goals and always have something that keeps you looking forward to the future.
- Stay active and include lots of movement in your day.
- Eat six or more portions of fruit and vegetables every single day.
- Engage with people (family, friends, coworkers) for six hours every day.
- Shape your surroundings in ways that support a happy life.
- Create meaningful intentions and goals that require forward thinking.
The book is filled with many more suggestions that most of us can add to our lives with the right determination. Of course, he freely admits that all happiness requires, at its foundation, that our basic needs are covered and that we have food, shelter, access to health care and a degree of mobility. However, he is convinced that a key is finding that “sweet spot between savoring life now and doing things that lead to a richer, more meaningful outcome in the future.”
One of the most interesting ideas in the book is research that reveals the powerful influence our surroundings and where we live has on our day-to-day happiness. In fact, our surroundings can either “nudge” us toward behaviors more likely to produce happiness or they can nudge us in the opposite direction.
The most obvious form of surroundings is our community and our workplace. While in many cases we don’t have the power to transform our city or our country, we do have the ability to choose where we live and where we work. What should we look for? According to Buettner, the qualities of the happiest (and healthiest) communities include:
- A very walkable and/or bikeable community with a variety of services.
- People friendly streets—quiet and safe streets that favor humans over cars.
- Access to nature—parks, open spaces and trees.
- A clean environment of water, air, and land.
- Plenty of access to healthy and locally grown foods.
- Affordable healthcare and dentistry for all citizens.
- Simple ways for people to volunteer with a variety of options
- A safe and “trustworthy” environment among politicians, police and neighbors.
- A high level of civic engagement where people are encouraged to contribute to maintain and improve the community.
- A community of people who tend to put health and wellbeing on a high level.
While changes to our attitude and inner life are more in our control than our larger community, Buettner’s research shows that “Of all the things people can do to try to increase their happiness, the most effective and lasting one is to choose to live in a community that supports well-being.” Like I stated before, the right cities can “nudge” its residents into behaviors and lifestyles that produce happiness. By the same token, a city or environment can nudge us toward unhealthy and unhappy behaviors. If we can’t figure out a way to get our city or community to alter its focus, perhaps it is best to move somewhere that will support our happiness and good health.
Naturally, there is a lot more in this book that I can’t begin to cover, but I’m hoping I wet your curiosity enough to pick up a copy. I would personally love for the mayor and city council of my own city to read the suggestions offered. And need I mention how wonderful it would be if the leaders of my country would consider embracing the ideas as well? Still, Buettner does a great job of offering suggestions and tips that each of us can undertake to increase our individual level of wellbeing and happiness—including ideas for the workplace, our homes, our finances, and even our inner life. Of course, as always, if we can’t change what’s happening in our outer world, or move to a new location, there is always something we can do within.
When I was young I dreamed of living at Disneyland. Every time I went I could feel the magic and fantasy of Walt Disney’s vision and imagined how happy I’d be if I woke up there every morning. Now? I now know that happiness is much more complicated than merely living inside an amusement park. But the good news is that even with life’s ups and downs most of us can find places to live that support us in experiencing a high degree of well-being and life satisfaction. If we don’t already live in such a community, it might be SMART to figure out ways we can create our own Blue Zone right where we are.
Okay, your turn. Do you live in a community that nurtures your health and happiness? If yes, what are the qualities that matter to you the most? If you don’t live in one now, what qualities would you most like in a new “happier” location?
I’ve always wished after reading articles like this that more of our California cities and towns were more walkable. Other than that I really do enjoy living in Sacramento, where all but the top two on Buttner’s list seem to be available here.
Kathy, this is such an interesting topic. I grew up in a small town, but since reaching adulthood, I have moved many times. Over the years, I have lived in many kinds of communities, from large cities to rural areas, in the inner city and the suburbs, in the mountains, by the sea, and on the prairies. I have embraced life in all those different places and enjoyed living in them. So until a few years ago, I would have said that a person makes their own happiness wherever they go.
But once we moved here to our retirement location, we have both been delighted to discover that people are super friendly and there is a really strong sense of community (as Donna has already mentioned). Those two elements were really missing in another place we lived, even though in terms of geography, amenities, and weather, that previous place was attractive. So of the elements that you list, I now think the sense of community and friendliness of a place, and being socially well-integrated within that community, are really important. Also: having a loving life partner. Personally, like Mona, I really value having easy access to nature, too. I am happy here and plan to stay put.
Jude
Hi Jude! Yes, I have always believed and promoted the idea that we each make our own happiness, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that science also backs up the idea that we are also greatly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with, our communities, and the quality of our environment. And that makes sense, doesn’t it. Just like we all suspect it is difficult to feel very “happy” or “satisfied” if we don’t feel healthy or if our bodies don’t feel good, it’s good to remember that it’s all interconnected. And while I doubt I’ll ever give up the feeling that my happiness level is largely in my control, I also now know that where I plant myself and who I surround myself with, makes a difference too. So glad to hear that you’ve found a great community that feeds all your needs and that you find that it ‘nudges” you in the direction of health and happiness. May we all find that place for ourselves. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – Like the others, I enjoyed your first post on this topic – and love this extension! I am proud to currently live in a small town where I can confidently check off all of the boxes that you have listed above. I did move here from an extremely large city, that did not lend itself well to many of the points listed….but I lived in a very small, supported community within that city that made up for some of the areas where the larger city was lacking.
Hi Donna! Yay for you for feeling that your community is a Blue Zone that promotes both good health and happiness. Another thing in the book that I thought was interesting was the author’s assertion that once a city gets over 200,000 it makes it more difficult to be a “Blue Zone.” That’s because the sheer size makes it more stressful, noisy and less opportunities for nature, longer commute times, etc.. As your experience shows, a small, supportive community has many benefits. And while that might not be feasible for everyone, it is a good reminder for us all to pay attention. Thanks for your example. ~Kathy
I enjoyed your first post about Blue Zones and this follow-up and the new book overview have furthered my interest. I can check off quite a few of the personal and community attributes, but I know we can do better. Like you, I spent many a magical day at Disneyland, but my adult self is less enamored with it. My Blue Zone Happy Place lays elsewhere ?
Hi Janis! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who is fascinated by all this stuff. I love hearing about how other people and communities have developed ways to make their citizens (and themselves) more happy AND healthy. So many lessons for us all! And yes! Even though I will always hold Disneyland in my heart, I now know that happiness is tied to many more qualities than just a fun 8 to 10 hours. Contentment, satisfaction, purpose, and wellbeing all take on a far deeper role as we age huh? Finding that Blue Zone (or as Haralee calls it our blueberry zone) is very important. Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
I remember your previous blog about the Blue Zones well, and reading about the three “new” countries here is interesting, especially since I have visited each of them. I truly think that purpose is extremely important to create happiness. We are doing pretty well with most other elements mentioned, but “Engage with people (family, friends, coworkers) for six hours every day” is impossible. Even if it is just with my husband, it would drive us crazy. 🙂
I notice that a lot of these attributes that bring happiness in Buettner’s book can be found in your book about Positive Aging. It all goes hand in hand, doesn’t it? Glad to read that you had fun in Disneyland, although I can imagine the crowds…
As for your question, I think Mark and I live in a “community” that nurtures our health and happiness, since we create our own environment and move so much (which is part of our purpose and nurturing), never staying long if the location doesn’t make us happy.
Hi Liesbet! Would you confirm that most people living in each of these Blue Zones is happier and healthier? I loved the stories but haven’t been to any of these places (yet) myself. And yes, purpose is a huge part of feeling happy don’t you think? But I also agree with you that six hours of “engagement” seem incredibly intense for those of us who write and work alone. But from what I can tell the majority of the examples in the book are with people who work with others and have larger families. I do think that people who work with others have lots of engagement and interaction with others, and according to the Blue Zone research that is overall a good thing. But like you, I can’t even imagine having people around me all that much. And I also agree that Thom and I form our own family (community) with lots of interpersonal engagement but I think Blue Zones encourage us to be more open and reach out to others as a benefit to us all. It obviously makes it more difficult for you with you moving around so much, but it does give us something to think about (and possibly plan for) for the future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
I guess most people work in an environment where a lot of interaction happens. I do miss that sometimes. Although, here in San Diego, we can’t complain about solitude. It has been the best house sit when it comes to social interactions.
When I visited the three countries mentioned in your blog post (a long time ago), I can’t say I noticed any more happiness than elsewhere. But, as a tourist, you only see the surface of a country and its people. I think it takes living there as an expat, or maybe as a long-term house sitter to learn about the happiness and healthyness level. All I have noticed is that in our western countries, people are stressed and extremely busy and they loose focus on what is really important (in my opinion). I’d love to talk about that more on New Year’s Eve. 🙂
Definitely Liesbet! I’m looking forward to our conversation IRL on New Year’s Eve. I doubt we’ll have enough time to talk about everything we find interesting and intriguing. Thom and I are both looking forward to it! ~Kathy
Would be so interested in blue zone locations.
Very Interesting Kathy!! Makes me want to move to Denmark! I am at a good space in my life right now, a blueberry type zone.
Hi Haralee! I agree that Denmark sounds really good…but it’s too cold for me. I’m thinking Costa Rica would have a better temp! But in the end, the point of the book is an attempt to show what we can do right where we are. Not as easy for sure…but I do love the idea of your “blueberry” zone. It sounds like you are almost there! ~Kathy
As I read the beginning of your post, I became skeptical, thinking, “But what if you are in very poor circumstances?” and ‘How can you reap the benefits of a healthy community when you live in a negative one?” As I read on, however, I saw that you addressed this, and confirmed what I believe, that sometimes, when people have very few external privileges, they can still create blue zones within themselves. And that is a powerful reality, since what we do internally has a huge impact on the community around us. Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of all of us to have that as a goal—to work towards eradicating poverty and human suffering and doing everything we can to create a ‘blue zone’ world.
Hi Diane! Thanks for bringing up that not all of us have the same advantages as others. But one thing I really appreciate about the idea of Blue Zones is that they have little to do with exterior ideas of success and getting ahead as much the quality of life. The author admits that we all need the basics like food, shelter and safety to get by. But once those essentials are covered we really do have more choices in life than lots of us want to admit. I understand that it isn’t easy to make major changes in one’s life, but we do need to accept the consequences that our actions (or lack of actions) bring to our lives. Plus, I think one of the qualities of Blue Zones is not only creating well-being for ourselves, it is also an inherent characteristic that we help others whenever we can by realizing our connections. In fact, I don’t think it would be possible to be in a “Blue Zone” without recognizing that connection and doing whatever we can to increase the wellbeing of others around us–certainly all the examples the author shares demonstrate that. And like you say, “to work towards eradicating poverty and human suffering and doing everything we can to create a ‘blue zone’ world,” sounds like a wonderful holiday message that we can take to heart year round. Merry Christmas to you no matter what you have planned! ~Kathy
Living in a rural area does it for me. I enjoy what an urban city has to offer but my body sighs when I return to the hills of home. There’s something very humbling about basic chores like packing wood, feeding animals, tending to a vegetable garden as well as great motivation to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Volunteering allows us to step outside ourselves for a little while and offers connections to different communities. Years ago my aunt relocated to a rural area from a city. She commented on how positive it was to walk down the street of the small town she lived in and be greeted by name. That in itself creates a sense of community. There’s also the sense of community that comes from being a 4th generation family in the company of others of the same ilk. This same small town placed benches in strategic spots between the seniors’ housing and downtown so there were places for the seniors to rest. It also paved and put up lighting on a common walking route called The Loop. So, yes, I live in a community that fosters health and happiness. Merry Christmas to all and Happy Solstice.
Hi Mona! Congratulations! From everything I read the best “gift” we can give ourselves and our families is to live in an area that helps to promote happiness, peace of mind, and good health. And while it probably seems pretty obvious, I don’t think most of us even think about it that much. We just live where we live and work where we work and that’s just the way it is. So much more rewarding to remember that once we take care of our basic essentials, we really do have choices about where we live and what we do with our time. Of course, that doesn’t mean we can just sit back and expect others to create it for us, I do believe we need to get involved and do what we can to improve things, but it’s surely SMART to remember that everything is connected and our choices matter. Thanks so much for sharing your example with us. And yes! Have a wonderful Christmas! ~Kathy