8 ways to live longer!

Ever wondered why some people seem to age like fine wine – all sparkle, no creak? Why they’re still pottering about the garden at 97, baking bread at 102, and dancing in the kitchen at 105?

Welcome to the Blue Zones – those magical little pockets of the world where people commonly live to 100 and beyond, enjoying vibrant, healthy lives well into old age. These regions include Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica), Ikaria (Greece), and Loma Linda (California, USA). Here’s the exciting bit: it’s not all genetics and fairy dust! You can borrow a page or two from their book and start living your own Blue Zone life, right here, right now.

Let’s take a wander through the secrets of the centenarians, and how we at Chuckling Goat can help you get there…

1. Move naturally (no lycra required)

The longest-living people don’t spend hours on treadmills or smashing spin classes. They just… move more. Naturally. Every day.¹

Think:

Walking or cycling to the shops
Gardening (weeding counts!)
Doing chores around the house
Playing with the dog or wrangling the kids

The takeaway? Ditch the gym guilt and get moving in ways that make you feel good. Your body (and joints) will thank you.

2. Know your why

In Okinawa (one of the Blue Zones), they call it Ikigai. In Costa Rica, it’s Plan de Vida. We just call it ‘knowing why you get out of bed in the morning’.

Having a strong sense of purpose and motivation can lower the risk of dementia, and even extend death – not woo-woo, that’s science!²³ Whether it’s looking after your grandkids, starting a novel, or simply looking forward to enjoying your morning kefir in peace, it all counts in lengthening your lifespan.

3. Downshift and de-stress

Chronic stress is the enemy of longevity. Blue Zoners build little rituals into their day to wind down: a nap here, a cup of tea there, a moment of gratitude, spiritual reflection or a casual chat with a friend or family member.⁴

Take it a step further with our Ashwagandha tincture, an adaptogenic herb known to help balance stress hormones like cortisol and support a calm, resilient nervous system. Read more about the benefits of Ashwagandha here.

4. Eat until you’re 80% full

In Okinawa, they’ve got a saying: “Hara Hachi Bu“. It means stop eating when you’re 80% full. And guess what? It works.⁵

Instead of stuffing yourself silly, which puts an enormous burden on your digestive system and the rest of your body, eat mindfully. Chew slowly. Enjoy your food. Stop when you’re satisfied, not stuffed. It’s not a diet – it’s just common sense. You’ll be surprised at how many common digestive complaints can be resolved by just eating more mindfully.

5. Mostly plants

Blue Zoners don’t go fully vegan, but they do eat a mostly plant-based diet, rich in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Meat? Maybe a couple of times a month. Nothing fancy.⁶

But here’s the kicker – it’s not just the greens that count. It’s the fibre. Those good gut bugs of yours need feeding, and thats where our Complete Prebiotic powder comes in. Packed with 18 different plant-based fibres, it’s like an all-you-an-eat buffet for your microbiome. Give those bugs what they need and they’ll return the favour.

6. Belong to something bigger

Almost every Blue Zone community has strong spiritual or religious ties. It’s not about dogma; it’s about connection, belonging, and purpose. Weekly gatherings, rituals, shared beliefs – they all help you feel part of something greater.⁷

So whether it’s a church, volunteering, charitable work, a book club, or a weekly walk with friends, find your people. Or better yet, join us – we’ve got kefir, banter, and goats!

7. Put loved ones first

Blue Zone centenarians don’t park their elders in homes and forget about them. They live close (or even together), support one another, and prioritise family bonds.⁸

It’s not always easy, family can be challenging at times, but keeping family close is one of the most powerful longevity boosters.

8. Find your moai (a.k.a your tribe)

In Okinawa, people are put into social groups called Moais from childhood – groups of 5-8 friends who stick together for life. They support one another emotionally, socially, and even financially.⁹

It’s intentional friendship, and it works. Studies show you’re more likely to adopt healthy habits, and keep them, if your friends do too. So gather your Moai.¹⁰

Bonus tip: feed your gut the blue zone way

While fermented foods, rich in probiotics, like miso and natto, are commonly consumed in Blue Zones, we’ve got our own superstar right here at home: kefir.

Our award-winning Chuckling Goat kefir is:

Packed with live cultures (up to 27 strains!)
Made with real goats’ milk
Free from additives, thickeners, sweeteners, and other nasties

It supports digestion, balances your microbiome, reduces inflammation and helps your immune system stay ship-shape. Just 170ml a day is enough to start feeling the difference.¹¹

Final thoughts? Living like a Blue Zone centenarian doesn’t mean moving to Sardinia, taking up goat-herding, being a farmer or giving up every guilty pleasure. It means leaning into the good stuff – real food, real friends, real purpose.

You’ve already made a great start by joining our community here at Chuckling Goat. So pour your kefir, stir in your Complete Prebiotic, pop out in the garden, invite some friends and family members, and give yourself a big tick for Blue Zone living.

Here’s to a longer, healthier, and happier life – one sip at a time!

Check out Leah’s article on How to live longer like a Blue Zone centenarian.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.