The secret to living healthier, happier and longer lives has been out for many years now.  Decades-long research from explorer Dan Buettner reports areas of the world where people seemed to be living longer and healthier and termed the locations ‘Blue Zones’. His recent Netflix documentary gives a visual and is now trending as a top streaming pick.

The five original Blue Zones are in Italy, Costa Rica, Greece, Japan and California, with Singapore being added later.

So why do people in these areas live so long and so well? The answer is simple — lifestyle. Their lifestyle includes a healthful diet, daily exercise, and a low-stress style of living that focuses on family, purpose, religion, and meaning. Here are a few lifestyle aspects that Buettner has found in his research.

Move naturally.  If you are like me and do not like to go to the gym, you might be inspired by this one.  Those in the Blue Zones build movement naturally into their day by walking to the store, gardening, or sitting on the floor instead of lounging in a chair.

Downshift. This relates to stress relief. Here there is a lot of talk about mindfulness and reducing stress but in Blue Zones it seems to be a natural practice.  For example, in Okinawa, Japan, people take a minute every day to remember their ancestors. In Loma Linda, California, people take time to pray every day. In Greece, it’s an afternoon nap. In Italy, a Happy Hour.

Plant Slant and the 80% Rule.  Blue Zone diets include meat, however it’s about a tenth of the amount Americans eat.  Incorporate more plant-based foods, such as beans and nuts and green leafy vegetables and try ways to add herbs for flavoring. Another principle allows your stomach to catch up to your brain by eating only until your 80% full.

Build that Social Network with Purpose.  Blue zones have similar prioritization of family and community.  A network of support and a sense of belonging is good for the body and the soul.  This has often been found in a faith-based community, but it doesn’t have to be.  It can be accomplished within an interest group or through volunteer project work. We do know that habits are often contagious so surround yourself with others that inspire you to live a healthier life style!

There’s no quick fix or one thing that will create this all-encompassing health change. It requires dozens of small steps that can move us toward a healthier life.  We can start this within our home in small increments to improve connections, increase movement, and decrease stress.

For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is seen in an emergency department for a fall-related injury.  Falls threaten safety and independence and generate economic and personal costs. However, through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be reduced.

Falls are not a natural part of aging.  Even if you are healthy, it is important to check your risk.  You may answer 13 short questions to learn yours at www.nocoa.org/fallsfreecheckup.

There are many steps you can take now to prevent a fall, here are six to get you started!

1. Find a good balance and exercise program

Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or K-State Research and Extension for options. Find a program you like and take a friend!

2. Talk to your health care provider

Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.

3. Regularly review your medications with doctor or pharmacist

Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.

4. Get your hearing and vision checked and glasses updated

Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.

5. Keep your home safe

Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.

6. Talk to your family members

Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

Here’s to healthy aging and being fall free!  For more information, contact Tara Solomon-Smith, [email protected], or call 620-244-3826.

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director of K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts.

Southwind Extension District

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is an alarming health crisis across America and an ongoing issue in Kansas. In 2018, suicide was the 9th leading cause of death in the State of Kansas, and the suicide rate increased by 70% from the year 2000 to 2018. In July 2023, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment released an alert to notify healthcare providers of increased emergency visits related to female suicide attempts. In July alone, there were 162 suicide-related occurrences among Kansas females. These eye-opening statistics testify to the importance of observing Suicide Prevention Month and illustrate the urgent need for community action in addressing this health crisis.

Many myths surround suicide, such as the belief that it cannot be prevented. This myth is false. Many suicides can be prevented through asking questions, open conversations, proper mental health treatment, and reducing access to fatal means. In challenging myths like this one, we set the stage to look at the signs and symptoms of suicide, a critical part of suicide prevention.

Paying attention to the warning signs of suicide is the first step in saving lives. A few warning signs include, but are not limited to, isolation from others, engaging in risky activities, changes in sleeping or eating habits, giving away personal items for no reason, and talking about not wanting to be alive. Upon noticing warning signs, early intervention and support are needed.

Fortunately for those in need of support, there are many resources available.

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by calling or texting 988 or chatting with a counselor online by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat.
• NAMI Helpline is available Monday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. CST. The helpline can be reached by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HelpLine” to 62640, or emailing [email protected].
• Crisis Text Line, available 24 hours a day, can be reached by texting “HOME” to 741741 or visiting www.crisistextline.org.

Although there are ways for those contemplating suicide to get help, they may not seek support due to stigma. Some ways to help reduce the stigma of suicide include using respectful and mindful language when talking about suicide and showing compassion for those struggling. By fostering an environment of understanding and providing support, we can encourage others to reach out and seek the help they need.

Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to spread valuable information and resources while working to destigmatize suicide and mental health conversations. Join in engaging with the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team’s Suicide Prevention Month campaign, beginning September 1st, by visiting facebook.com/KSRE.Stress.Management. Together, we can make a difference.

This article was adapted from an article originally written by the K-State Research and Extension Stress and Resiliency Team. The main sources of information came from the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Mayo Clinic Health System, Heartland Community Health Center, and SuicideLine Victoria. For more information, please contact me at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.