Life only makes sense when I see it as a whole. When I try to break things into pieces—one nutrient, one organ, one theory, one diagnosis- I’m “not seeing the forest for the trees.” But when I step back and look at the whole picture, suddenly everything becomes clearer.
Your mindset can be a powerful tool for transforming bad habits into good ones. Instead of focusing on the goals, you focus on the systems or processes that will help to make the change. The process to reach the goal becomes more important than the goal itself.
Our ancestors didn’t just survive—they thrived and evolved under conditions that were far more difficult than ours. What we inherit from them is not just biology…
Engaging in Blue Zone lifestyle activities has been important to me, as I experience the 5th Stage of Life (80 to 100+). At 83, I’m passionate about adopting what I learn from those who are walking the talk, to understand that wellness is not only a possibility during the later years but all but guaranteed, if we apply with intent, the physical, mental, and heartfelt activities that have been working for the people of the Blue Zones, for centuries.
Too often dismissed as the “end stage,” life after 80 should be a time of awakening, of rediscovering our inner resources of clarity, appreciation, and contribution. With the proper foundation in place, this can be a time of remarkable vitality, connection, and joy.
It’s about living better—with energy, purpose, and joy—through every moment we accept the gift of life.
Although it is well-known that 1) chronic diseases can begin to develop at a very young age, and 2) our diet plays a significant role in disease progression, by the time we reach our 80s, the impact of every choice we make about food becomes magnified.
Although, as a vegetarian, I felt energetic and healthy most of the time, I became concerned because I would become inexplicably ill with flu-like symptoms 2 or 3 times a year.
Instead of focusing on the goals, you focus on the systems or processes that will help to make the change. The process to reach the goal becomes more important than the goal itself.
We shouldn’t take lightly the harm that chronic stress can inflict on us physically, mentally, and emotionally. The truth is that the havoc produced by long-term stress hormones can erase the benefits we expect from our healthy lifestyle choices.
