Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

The documentary was good however when it comes to Singapore I don't tink much research was put into it. Just to point out a few issues cause I wasn't interested to watch any further. The sugar limit in sodas although limited it's comparable to United States. In addition the sodas in Singapore are labelled as healthier choice. Are the sodas in United States or Europe labelled as healthier choice? As far as subsidized brown rice is concern I believe it only applies to some hawkers only. Diabetes is an epidemic in Singapore due to overwhelming fast food restaurants and unhealthy processed food. Did you not notice this?

I just couldn't keep watching this boring stuff. Stopped at the end of ep2, it made me cringe. Dear Netflix executives (and others streaming platforms): this is why people like me are sick and tired of paying for this kind of "content".

--Shallow: I admit we start with the right foot: the host talks about his childhood, his curiosity for a topic that promises an intriguing theme: specific areas where people live beyond 100 years (i.e. Mortality and living longer). Alas his role becomes soon insufferable: he doesn't have a strong reason to embark on this journey (other than traveling it seems); he's preachy; there are no obstacles and all the doors are indeed open. It gets boring.

Now I didn't expect deep philosophical stuff about the pros and cons of living for many many many years, but come on: you are serving us a list of things you check off one item after another like you are grocery shopping.

And: you need physical activity to live longer? No stress? Eat your veggies? No ____ sherlock!

Now let's move to the bad stuff.

--Misleading the researchers left out major things in presenting their "findings". Stuff that you can realize by spending 30min reading about longevity:

genetics: not mentioned blood type: not mentioned quality of the air: not mentioned

then: animal protein: the real blue zones are all in areas that had direct access to meat and diary. Areas where the farmers owned the land and could eat meat and cheese. I know for a fact that in Sardinia they eat heaps of pork and lamb and cheese. I highly doubt that in Okinawa they didnt eat fish.

So: is this "documentary" meant to push the vegetarian diet?

Listening to the host saying "americans are fat" "americans sit down all day" was almost painful. If you don't show numbers, percentage, age groups etc etc it is propaganda, not statistics

but the pinnacle is the Loma Linda community in California! They dont even reach 100 years! So what's the point? It smells like product placement, to sell their memberships.

This is what happens when good intentions get distracted by a large ego. Facts are bundled together after which subjective conclusions are stretched way too far - all while falsely implying "a scientific seal of approval".

It's a shame. If kept on the "rhetorical straight and narrow" - "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" - would have presented some interesting hypotheses alongside the possibility to believe there is a viable way forward, "believe" being the operative word. Dan Buettner's use of over-rhetoric throughout, likely, undermines most critical viewers ability to engage in his theories.

NetFlix' initial disclaimer "The following series is designed to entertain and inform - not to provide medical or health advice." is foreboding of what is about to follow. That sentence, pretty much indicates "the issues with this series"; it presents beliefs in a way that deceptively resemble facts. Beliefs are fine, if you want to adhere to them - but that should be by free choice not by implying factuality. If the disclaimer didn't give it away, the introduction provides further hints; "They all follow roughly the exact same formula".

The use of "roughly" and "exactly" as descriptive in the same sentence is fine example of what unfolds as a whole - blurryness. The "trick" that is being pulled is by means of an "old and proven recipe"; put forth a mulitude of facts, draw some uncorroborated conclusion and then wrap them up together, and present them as "sort of scientific".

Dan Buettner appears earnest in his beliefs - his attempts to package said beliefs in "an air of science" less so. He definitely comes across more as a preacher than a scientist. The frequently used over rhetoric doesn't naturally peg him in any part of the scientific community.

It's a shame... the subject being addressed is, arguably, important and the effort put in seemingly great. Much good work (and some bad) is done on a belief basis - it's a shame Buttner doesn't show it for what it is.

I'm always very interested in health documentaries. Some are ahead of their time like fat sick and nearly dead or cowspiracy, and others are a little bit of a rehash of the things that hopefully most people over 40 already know. This one falls somewhere in the middle but is very important for young adults and children to understand. It meanders its way through the centurions like The China Study did. What we need to do though is look at why are people expiring earlier. We hear about things like diabetes and cancer and obesity. Why do we have those when Okinawa doesn't and Greece doesn't? The answer is processed food and stressful living in what we politely call a free market Society. Free market unfortunately means that I can sell you anything as long as you will buy it, and if I find enough loopholes I can sell you things that are not up to standards, as well. When the US government developed processed packaged Foods for boots on the ground, they knew that it wasn't viable for health long-term. This documentary in the beginning starts telling us that the FDA guided us to a higher caloric intake, but what really happened in my mind is that when they subsidized farms and corn and we started having an overabundance of cheap processed food then the FDA changed the food chart to reflect that we should consume more of these processed foods. Although processed meat is listed as a carcinogenic, for instance, it is still actually part of the ACS's list of things to eat on a balanced diet. So there's just a lot of lobbying mixed in with marketing in our society and very little honest information. This series seems to barely touch on that. But it does reveal the fact that a simpler life is the answer to health. And that covers everything I've just said because in a simpler life we eat what is fondly called whole foods- a term that comes from the vegan and raw foods culture. As an American I can honestly say that I watched these elders in Okinawa and I felt a little envy. We definitely don't have the respect and responsibility that they have toward our elders. In a world driven by social media I think this is a very welcome series. Do I have any criticism of the series itself? Not really, I mean yes but not enough that it needs to be put in text here. I highly recommend the series to watch with your family, to remind yourself of what is truly healthy, or to learn what longevity would look like and try to understand how we can Implement some of these things into our lives. It does mention the irony of the United States becoming so health conscious and yet being more and more unhealthy. But also in the beginning of this series it mentions that we are kind of looking at it the cart before the horse where we're looking to cure our problems instead of prevent them. Nine solid Stars. There can never be too many of this type of documentary. I'm not clear on why this review was declined 3x , it doesn't go against any policy. Maybe the people declining need to be reminded the reviews are just personal opinion and don't require a medical disclaimer or your personal approval.

It's refreshing to see a documentary on longevity done so well! They cover so many different locations and focus on other areas of life that are responsible for it instead of digging deep into just the food science behind it all.

What sets it apart is its ability to make complex scientific topics accessible to a general audience. It employs clear explanations, expert commentary, and visuals to ensure that even viewers without prior knowledge of these subjects can follow along.

The documentary also delves into the cultural and societal factors that contribute to longevity. It introduces the concept of "Blue Zones," regions around the world known for their high number of centenarians, and explores how community, diet, and lifestyle play a crucial role in extending life.

A notable strength of the film is its focus on actionable takeaways. It doesn't just provide information; it offers practical advice on how individuals can increase their own chances of living longer, healthier lives. From dietary recommendations to exercise routines and stress management techniques, "Live to 100" offers a roadmap to better living.

Visually, the documentary is a treat. The cinematography skillfully captures the vitality of centenarians and the beauty of Blue Zones landscapes. These visuals enhance the storytelling and provide a compelling backdrop to the film's exploration of longevity.

In summary, It's is a valuable addition to Netflix's documentary lineup. It combines scientific rigor with storytelling, making it accessible to a wide audience. Whether you're interested in the science of aging, seeking inspiration for a healthier lifestyle, or simply curious about the quest for a longer life, this documentary offers something for everyone. It's a reminder that with knowledge and conscious choices, the dream of living a longer, more fulfilling life is within reach for many.