Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live to 100 years old? Some people adamantly say they don’t ever want to get that old. Why is that? Maybe they fear getting old would mean becoming decrepit, feeble, and dependent on others to take care of their every need. Or maybe they are afraid of losing their ability to think clearly or dealing with dementia. Or maybe it’s a combination of the two. The good news is that people can live longer, healthier, more satisfying lives, and not settle for what they believe to be inevitable.

I’ve been reading a very encouraging book by author Dan Buettner called, “The Blue Zones Solution”. In this book, the author teams up with the National Geographic Society in search of areas of longevity around the world. Places like Ikaria, Greece, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, and even in our very own backyard of Loma Linda, California. In these hot zones of longevity referred to as the “Blue Zones,” we find concentrated groups of people living well into their 90’s and some even into their 100’s. Not only are they living longer than most people, but they are enjoying a higher quality of life in their old age. While visiting with these centenarians, the author finds various lifestyle indicators leading to a longer life such as regular moderate exercise, managing stress, enjoying social circles of family and friends, creating a community supportive of healthy behaviors, and eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans, peas, lentils) and herbs.

At Toppled Barn Farm we are devoted to a healthier you. We know you desire to live a life not only full of years but one that provides you with a rich quality of life. It’s our goal to provide our customers with the freshest, most nutritious foods you can buy locally. We encourage you to check out our online store to see some of the tasty foods we have to offer. And for an interesting and informative read check out The Blue Zones Solution by Dan Buettner available at most booksellers and Amazon.com. Because growing old doesn’t have to be something you dread!