Editorial: Making Your Own Family ‘Blue Zone’
By • November 13, 2024 0 21
If you watched the Netflix documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” you were no doubt amazed to learn from author Dan Buettner about five unique communities — including Okinawa and Sardinia — whose members experience exceptional longevity.
Given our constant state of stress, and America’s “go-go” mentality, the holiday season is a good time to examine some of Buettner’s “secrets,” in particular the positives of intergenerational relationships and multigenerational living — prevalent in Europe and elsewhere for centuries.
Consider the rising costs of home ownership, child care, groceries and so on. New parents may find it beneficial not only to interact more but to live with their own parents. Doing so could help reduce, or even eliminate, the daunting challenges of paying for child care and a mortgage.
It is not unknown for households to have three generations under one roof. Elderly persons are highly susceptible to loneliness and social isolation. Due to their solitude, they are more at risk for health problems like heart disease, depression and cognitive decline.
If they moved in with their children or grandchildren, might they too live to 100 and beyond, like the residents of Buettner’s “Blue Zones”?
Even if you’re not sold on the idea of multiple generations under the same roof, this Thanksgiving, look around your table. Listen and learn from the stories your grandparents share. Laugh at the terrible dad jokes your uncle tells. Appreciate the youthful optimism of your young cousins.
Multigenerational families play a key role in fostering a sense of community. Everyone is a piece of the puzzle that makes your family (of whatever type) unique and interesting. And who knows: maybe, together, you’ll all live to become centenarians.
Happy Thanksgiving, Georgetown!
