The results are in: There are East Hawaii octogenarians and nonagenarians living in the “zone,” Blue Zone, that is.
The Blue Zones Project is a communitywide well-being improvement initiative to help Hawaii and other states and cities become even better places to live, work and play. The Hawaii Medical Service Association, along with Mayor Billy Kenoi, kicked off the event last October at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo as East Hawaii was chosen as one of the demonstration communities.
National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner, who was the guest speaker, began the Blue Zones Project after examining communities throughout the world where people live happy, long lives. He uncovered nine evidence-based common denominators among these “Blue Zones.”
The Ho‘ike Family and Community Education Club decided to find out if local FCE members followed these nine principles. They sponsored a Blue Zones event honoring East Hawaii FCE council members 80 years and older at the Komohana Research Extension Center in February.
Fifteen of the 26 honorees, ranging in ages 81-93, were in attendance along with their family and friends. Ho‘ike members interviewed each one and found they all share Blue Zones’ nine healthy lifestyle habits.
These octogenarians and nonagenarians are Lily Chow, Barbara Hon, Jen Laris, Flossie Fergerstrom, Phyllis Chong, Marguerite Ferreira and Arlene Wrigley from Ho‘ike FCE; George Ito from Maile FCE; Marjorie Jeri Barlow from Puna Wahine FCE; Jacqueline Rapoza, Herbert Rapoza and Margaret Yamamoto from Settlement FCE; Shimomi Araujo, Chieko Alatan, Sue Nakamura, Caridad Leyson, Miyoko Unoki, Harvey Chun and Ann Nathaniel from Lanakila-Haaheo FCE; Beatrice Isemoto, Mildred Winans, Itsuko Kihara, Betty Wung, Frances Lee and Jane Kubo from University Heights FCE; and Sam Baldado from Nu Oli FCE.
Hilo FCE council members created delicious luncheon dishes, using recipes from “The Blue Zones Solution” book by Buettner. Each table had baskets filled with local fruits for each attendee to take home.
Guest speaker Lisa Cabalis, East Hawaii engagement lead for the Blue Zones Project, gave an overview of the Blue Zones Power Nine principles.
For more information about the Blue Zones Project, visit https://hawaii.bluezonesproject.com.
Power Nine
1. Move naturally: Get more physically active.
2. Know your purpose: “Why I wake up in the morning.”
3. Downshift: Find a routine to shed stress.
4. 80 percent rule: Don’t overeat — “hara hachi bu,” which reminds people to stop eating
when stomach is 80 percent full.
5. Plant slant: Eat vegetables/plant-based diet; limit consumption of meats.
6. Wine @ 5: Consume one to two glasses daily at 5 p.m. with friends and/or with
food.
7. Right tribe: Include social circles that supports healthy behaviors.
8. Community: Connect with a faith-based community.
9. Loved ones first: Put families first.
