Is aging a disease? The question is startling. It immediately provokes a firm “no”. But reflecting upon the coincidence of getting older and getting sicker, it deserves a second thought, or third. Recent research targets aging, rather than individual diseases associated with aging. It may well be transformative as it considers the effects of aging to be treatable, not necessarily inevitable. As a hospice chaplain who observes the complications of aging, I realize there are some things that are undeniable, but not exactly unavoidable. We can hasten death, not just by violence but by negligence. Lifestyle diseases, like some diabetes or heart disease, take these proclivities and compound them with poor habits. On the other hand, the good habits of nutrition and exercise may prolong life. This means we have a degree of efficacy in both the longevity and quality of life. This being so, we may explore how our positive practices can boost both body and soul.  Though all diseases indicate some source of disorder or decay; our afflictions are not always the consequence of our behaviors. While we must ascribe causes cautiously, we may profusely present the positive correlations of wise choices and wholesome lifestyles. A few years back I discovered the “Blue Zones” and have wanted to live there ever since. The BZ is not a location (actually it’s many) but not in the same sense as Disneyland or the Eiffel Tower. Dan Buettner discovered five diverse areas in the world, from Okinawa to Loma Linda, where people live the longest and healthiest. From these communities he extrapolated nine principles that guide their living and improve their wellbeing. The BZ lessons are desirable and replicable.  

1) Move naturally            

2) Live with purpose              

3) Relax – down-shift              

4) Apply the 80% rule          

5) Put plants first in your diet          

6) Enjoy friends at five                      

7) Build a supportive social tribe

8) Put your loved ones first

9) Nurture your spirit – belong  

The interplay of physical and spiritual is obvious and glorious. I believe we have an  incredible opportunity to be ambassadors of wellbeing.  What finer investment could  there be beyond enhancing and enriching the whole person? As we consider these nine principles, the goal is not just intersecting people with information, but to be intercepting persons with transformation.  As local wellness initiative Yuba-Sutter Blue Zone Project commends, “Live Better, Longer”.