Skepticism around Blue Zones does not erase their longevity lessons

Investigations have revealed record errors and pension irregularities in some Blue Zone claims, while a quoted longevity expert says the lifestyle principles attributed to those regions remain real and meaningful.

A writer describes a meal in Sardinia where the server identified the island as a Blue Zone. The Blue Zones idea was popularized by the Netflix documentary Live to 100, which highlights places such as Ikaria, Okinawa, Nicoya, Loma Linda and Sardinia. The concept links long life to daily low-impact activity, modest calories, little processed food, social ties, purpose and low stress. At the same time, researchers and officials have raised doubts about the accuracy of some longevity claims and the businesses that promote them. What is reported: - The Netflix documentary Live to 100 helped popularize the Blue Zones label and the common traits associated with those communities. - Investigations have uncovered record problems: Greek checks found almost three-quarters of supposed centenarians receiving pensions were dead. - A survey in Okinawa reported nearly 95 percent of residents had no religious affiliation, despite religion being cited as a Blue Zone characteristic. - The article cites individual cases of error or fraud, including a man in Japan known as "Mr. Kato" who was believed to be over 100 but was later found deceased and mummified. - Dan Buettner founded Blue Zones LLC, which sells cookbooks, offers programs and certifies communities in several U.S. states, according to the article. - Quoted experts, including Toronto physician Elaine Chin, say the Blue Zone lifestyle patterns are real but can be hard to reproduce in Western urban settings. Summary: The reporting of record errors and pension irregularities has added skepticism to some Blue Zone claims, and critics note there is money tied to promoting the idea. At the same time, experts cited in the article argue that the lifestyle patterns associated with those regions remain meaningful to discussions about longevity. Undetermined at this time.