The Birches Explores the Secrets to Longevity

Residents of The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills are one step closer to living longer, healthier lives after learning about Blue Zone foods in The Birches’ Gourmet Club on Friday, September 19.

Blue Zone foods come from “Blue Zones” or areas of the world where people live the longest. After pinpointing these geographic pockets of longevity, author Dan Buettner traveled to each Blue Zone to study the secrets of healthy aging. In 2008, Buettner published his research in the book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.

Since learning about Blue Zones, Birches’ Dining Services Director Diana Subacius has created meal plans using Blue Zone foods, but also wants Birches residents to understand the purpose behind the food on their plates.

“I want residents to understand Blue Zone foods, both what they are and why they are important, so they know why we’re serving them. It’s all about staying healthy and living a long life,” said Subacius.

At Gourmet Club, Subacius discussed the nine lifestyle principles that Buettner identified in his Blue Zone research. These principles include eating a lot of vegetables and beans, reducing portions, and enjoying wine in moderation. They also include lifestyle habits unrelated to diet, like daily movement, a sense of purpose, a spiritual practice, and strong family relationships.

After introducing residents to the concept of Blue Zones, Subacius helped them prepare a recipe inspired by the Greek Blue Zone, Ikaria. The recipe included Greek yogurt, fresh peaches, honey and granola, which residents layered in glasses to create a yogurt parfait.

The research on Blue Zones corresponds with The Birches’ philosophy for successful aging, Masterpiece Living. Based on a decade-long MacArthur Foundation study, Masterpiece Living recognizes that healthy aging is more dependent on lifestyle than genetics. By embracing lifestyle habits like those outlined in Buettner’s Blue Zone research, The Birches hopes to see many Birches residents achieve centenarian status.