Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

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.

I can see why some people didn't like this. The revelations appear "too simple" and in many cases go against the way most of us are living our modern lives. There is no magic pill or easy solution for maintaining vitality. Perhaps that's why this didn't resonate with some viewers. If you come into this with the expectation of learning about a miracle drug or super food that scientists are just now researching the benefits of, you're going to be disappointed.

Instead, it's a reminder of the truths all of humanity instinctively knows, yet in many parts of the world, has been conditioned to ignore (or actively chose to reject). The reporter shares his honest findings (again, not necessarily any earth-shattering revelations), and while the concepts are simple, implementation isn't necessarily easy.

In the pursuit of growth, convenience, and personal success, we've overcomplicated our lives to our own detriment. It may be an uncomfortable watch at times, as the viewer faces the dissonance between their lifestyle and the lifestyles of those living in blue zones. That being said, overall it's an informative series that not only sheds light on the "secrets" of centenarians, but also provides accessible ways for almost every person to implement these practices into their own lives.

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 seems that at least one reviewer didn't catch that the blue zone in Okinawa isn't the whole island, rather just a small section, so his comparison to another researchers findings makes no sense. What is really interesting is that it apppears that each blue zone seems to have different habits that all lead to the same result: being healthy and living longer.

Anyway, this is an excellent short series that is well worth a watch. I am far more conscious of health issues than my husband is, but even he loved this documentary. I am a healthy eater, but he really is not, unless I force the issue. While neither of us necessarily wants to live to a hundred (or beyond), after watching this, he is interested in changing his diet, and that's a win for me!!

Change your environment and you change the people within it. These are concepts that most people know, but fail to put into practice. We have the power to live longer, happier and healthier lives, we just need to promote it and "nudge" each other forward, but backwards, with our public policy. Eat healthier, connect with each other, stay active and value our family members of all ages. It can be done. We will all be better for it.

Dan presents the case studies in the first 3 episodes and then the examples of how to duplicate them in the last one. It isn't difficult, we have to focus on the goal. What is good for all of us is good for all of us.