We all aspire to live a long and healthy life, and what if there was a cheat sheet to make it happen? Dan Buettner and his team, known for coining the term "Blue Zones," have delved into the study of regions worldwide where people consistently live to be 100 years old. When exploring the concept of Blue Zones, their locations, and the valuable lessons they offer for achieving not just longer but healthier lives, we can see that the Merage JCC might just be a mini–Blue Zone here in Orange County.

What Are Blue Zones?

Blue Zones are places where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. Compared to the average life expectancy in the U.S., which is 77 years, residents in these regions regularly reach 90 or even 100 years old with far fewer chronic illnesses. 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 places don’t just boast longer life expectancy; they also show better quality of life, with lower rates of chronic illness like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia—conditions that affect millions in the U.S.

The Power 9: What We Can Learn from Blue Zones

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 exercise classes (yoga, Pilates, dance, aqua and strength training) encourage movement in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
• Pickleball, basketball, and swimming offer fun, social ways to stay active.
• Our walking groups and outdoor activities make movement part of daily life.
• Our specialized classes such as gentle yoga, balance, and bone density bootcamp classes increase range of motion and help with posture and balance.
• Our onsite physical therapy, recovery room, massage therapy, chiropractic care, cold plunge, aqua aerobics and stretching all contribute to 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!

How You Can Start Your Own Blue Zone Journey

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.

By taking small steps, you can incorporate the Power 9 principles into your daily life—right here at the JCC.

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.

Learn more about our programs, events, and classes here.