The fourth principle is to ‘keep strong family ties‘. In each Blue Zone, the importance of the family stands out. With the notorious exception of Okinawa, families cannot imagine separating from their elderly, even dependent ones, by transferring them into nursing homes. Among the Blue Zone’s populations, family solidarity and the ties that unite members of even an extended family are essential. If an elderly person lives alone, a family member often lives nearby. Other seniors share their lives with several of their children, and family celebrations are frequent.
Longevity Blue Zones 