We all want to live long, healthy lives—and Dan Buettner’s research on “Blue Zones,” places where people regularly reach 100, offers a kind of cheat sheet for how to do it. As we look at their lessons on longevity and wellness, it’s clear the Merage JCC is creating its own mini–Blue Zone right here in Orange County.
What Are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are regions where people live longer, healthier lives—often reaching 90 or even 100, far surpassing the U.S. average of 77 years. The five original Blue Zones are:
• Sardinia, Italy – Home to the world’s longest-lived men.
• Okinawa, Japan – Home to the world’s longest-lived women.
• Loma Linda, California – A Seventh-day Adventist community that outlives the average American by a decade.
• Ikaria, Greece – A small island where chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia are significantly lower.
• Nicoya, Costa Rica – An area where people are more than twice as likely as Americans to reach 90 years old.
These regions aren’t just known for longer lifespans; they’re also marked by better quality of life, with significantly lower rates of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia, which impact millions in the U.S.
Buettner’s team identified nine key lifestyle habits, called the Power 9, that contribute to health and longevity:
1. Move Naturally – Stay active through daily movement rather than structured exercise.
2. Know Your Purpose – Have a strong reason to wake up in the morning.
3. Downshift – Manage stress through relaxation techniques.
4. 80% Rule – Stop eating when you’re 80% full.
5. Plant Slant – Eat mostly plant-based foods.
6. Wine at 5 – Drink alcohol moderately (primarily wine, and with food).
7. Belong – Participate in faith-based or community activities.
8. Loved Ones First – Prioritize family and close relationships.
9. Right Tribe – Surround yourself with people who support healthy habits.
How the Merage JCC is Bringing Blue Zone Principles to Life
At the Merage JCC, we’re already creating opportunities for you to embrace these principles and make lasting lifestyle changes that promote health and longevity. Here’s how:
Move Naturally
• Our fitness center and group classes (yoga, Pilates, dance, aqua, and strength training) make movement feel natural and enjoyable.
• Pickleball and swimming provide fun, social ways to stay active.
• Walking groups and outdoor activities help integrate movement into daily life.
• Specialized classes like gentle yoga, balance training, and bone density bootcamp improve range of motion, posture, and stability.
• Onsite services such as physical therapy, massage, chiropractic care, aqua aerobics, recovery room, cold plunge, and stretch therapy support overall wellness.
Know Your Purpose
• Through lifelong learning programs, cultural events, and volunteer opportunities, we help members find purpose at every stage of life.
• Programs like JCC Cares and community outreach initiatives allow people to give back and find meaning.
Downshift (Stress Management)
• Our meditation and mindfulness classes, along with relaxation-focused yoga classes, provide ways to manage stress.
• Jewish holiday celebrations and Shabbat dinners encourage reflection and slowing down.
Eat Wisely
• Our Culinary Arts program teaches healthy and fun cooking techniques.
• Special programs like Wellness Wisdom introduce members to experts in nutrition, stress management, and holistic health.
Foster Strong Social Connections
• Whether it’s through Jewish learning groups, book clubs, or social gatherings, we provide opportunities to build lasting friendships.
• Our PrimeTime Adults programs, Cultural Arts events, Reflections series, and Mah Jongg events strengthen social bonds.
• We offer weekly programs that create a space for members to kvetch and kvell!
Making lasting changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by picking one or two habits to focus on. Here are some ideas:
• Join a JCC fitness class.
• Try one meatless meal per week.
• Sign up for a cooking class to learn healthy recipes.
• Spend more tech-free time with family.
• Volunteer with JCC Cares to build community connections.
• Practice mindfulness or meditation with one of our wellness programs.
The Blue Zones teach us that longevity isn’t just about genetics, it’s about lifestyle. The Merage JCC is committed to creating an environment that fosters movement, connection, purpose, and well-being. Together, we can make healthy living a natural and enjoyable part of our community.
Char Williams-Cavitt is the Chief Marketing and Program Director at the Merage JCC and is a contributing writer to Jlife magazine.