Just what is a “blue zone?” It’s an area where people live longer than age 100. These pockets may become more and more prevalent in the coming years. People over 90 are the fastest growing segment in our society today!
When people hear this, they have one of three reactions: to freak, shriek, or cheer. I’m all for cheering! Centenarian consciousness is alive and well, and just waiting to be copied. The term “centenarian consciousness” was coined by Dr Mario Martinez, who has studied hundreds of healthy centenarians all over the planet. He is founder of the Biocognitive Institute and author of the Mind Body Code (Sounds True 2014).
As I talk about in Goddesses Never Age, thriving centenarians have similar traits. To start, many are rebels. They walk to the beat of their own drum, and have done so all their lives. They also:
- Make rituals of pleasure a part of their day. For example, they might have a shot of whiskey or smoke a fine cigar every day. They aren’t addicted to these substances, rather, they look forward to savoring both the substance and the ritual. Think Japanese tea ceremony.
- Are not co-dependent. They don’t stay in relationships that are unhealthy or dysfunctional, or with people who have addictions.
- Live in communities where they are revered. They surround themselves with people and situations where they are respected for their contributions and wisdom.
- Don’t go to doctors—partially because they’ve outlived their doctors. Because they aren’t spending time at doctors, they aren’t focused on their possible decline.
- Are future-oriented. They make long-term plans because they see themselves thriving in the future.
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Centenarians Practice the Causes of Health
If they live longer than 90, centenarians often notice that their health actually improves. I believe this happens because they have time to do the things that actually cause health. I talk about the causes of health in detail in Goddesses Never Age, five of which are below.
- Have a relationship with the Divine. When you reconnect with Spirit and honor your own spirit, you see yourself as a goddess. This gives you a different perspective on your own health and your ability to create wellness, because it allows you to co-create health with the power of the Divine.
- Actively manage stress hormones. Stress wreaks havoc in the body and can cause a cascade of problems, including mood, sleep, and blood sugar issues. Chronic fear, resentment, anger, and sadness trigger stress hormones, too. Build in time to rest and restore, eat a low glycemic diet, and re-evaluate any unhealthy relationship you may have.
- Sleep. There is no better way to rest and restore at the cellular level than sleep. Our bodies were designed to regenerate, but they need your help. Managing your stress, meditation, any form of mild exercise, getting the proper nutrition, and sleeping 7-10 hours are all excellent ways to support renewal.
- Health starts upstream with emotions and thoughts, not supplements and medical tests. Your beliefs trump everything. If you believe you’ll walk hunched over a cane at age 70, chances are you will! While there is certainly tremendous value in providing the nutrients your body needs (in food or supplement form) and a need for medical tests (at times), take time to really listen to your thoughts. Then assess whether any need updating.
- Exalted emotions and righteous anger. Think about how you feel when you are full of joy or love or understanding for another’s situation. That feel-good experience bathes your cells in nitric oxide and oxytocin. And while I’m all for forgiveness, it’s important to truly feel your righteous anger but then release it from your system.
Happy, healthy, dead. That’s a motto I learned from Abraham-Hicks. It means Enjoying your life in good health up until the minute you leave this earth. That’s what healthy centenarians do! And you can do the same.
As a positive psychology practitioner who teaches about Positive Aging at the 92nd Street Y in New York I love all of the recommendations that Dr. Northrup speaks about in her book! Gratitude, savoring life, forgiveness, playing, meaning and purpose, connection etc. are just some of the cornerstones of living a flourishing life. As I am turning 65 very soon I can feel ageism around me but I will defy it every step of the way by living and thriving and living in joy each day! Your message is just wonderful! evacenteno.com
Dr Northrup,
I am a 66 years young woman and was absolutely thrilled reading this book. I have learned so much and more importantly am living it! You are an amazing woman, spreading the joy,and bliss of living a divine inspired life. Bravo and thank you ! Wishing you continued success and many happy tango dancing days!!
Dearest Christiane Northrup,what wonderful advice and guidance…I am 44 years old,and after much emotional stress in my childhood and early adult life I have started to live in this more beautiful and peaceful way…the benefits are just divine…walking my dog on hampstead heath,meditating,laughing,eating healthily,seeing only uplifting and positive people,helping others…I could go on…much love and respect from London
So Thankful I’m on the right path, I’m the only sibling in my family not on meds due to aging, only those to assist my allergies when needed. I still do cartwheels, I rarely vist a dr. and than it’s my naturopath and chiropractor. I’m beautifying my little piece of heaven on earth and garden barefoot 🙂
Thanks, Dr Northup for sharing all your knowledge and wisdon on happines and health. God bless you !
Thank you for helping me to feel better about myself and my future. I am chiseling away at those darn negative beliefs. I learn so much from you, Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Blessings.
Lovvvve….your new book just sent a copy to my bff..each month I send a copy to a special lady in my life 🙂 xoxoxo thank you!
Love your new book, the video’s are inspiring…sending copies for Mothers Day to my mother, daughter, sister and Aunts!
I am 89 years old ,I feel good ,I don’t go for any check up,I don’t take medicine, don’t take
Any vit.or minerals ,tomorow I am flying to Milan to attend the workshop of Dr. Joe Dispensa in Milan the 10 and 11 April ,I was invited with my wife to the workshop by the very generous good and modest person , I stile working as a naturopath in Johannesburg ,I fligh
Twice a year to the holy land my birth place to give workshops on health and sickness.
I saw your videos and your book and I am very impresse on your expertise and your knowledge on humans health ,God bless you ,you are treasure to humanity ,let God incease your tolemeres
Dr Tzror .
Clearly you are right on it!!!
I can feel that you are a true healer. Thank you for commenting here. I feel honored.
Thank you, Dr Northrop for all the inspirational wisdom you share with all of us! Love your new book! Thank you!!!
I will be 77 next month and feel much, much, younger. In fact, being old has never been and option for me. Christiane Northrup’s books are part of my library geared to health, happiness & joy every day.
Thank you so much for the virtual high five here!!!
I bought your book and love this beautiful wisdom, I’m so inspired at the young age of 57. I feel like life is just starting now
Thanks for sharing your outlook on health and well-being and reminding people that im are in charge of their own life and to have fun and enjoy themselves!
Watched your video with daughter interview.
Kept listening and reading.
YOU TWO MADE ME FEEL GOOD! Thank you!
signed,
Ageless
I have enormous gratitude and affection for you ever since I saw your interview in Louise Hay’s film. Your latest book is amazing and speaks to me so much especially now I’m 65. You are such an inspiration, I hope you really know that and what you do is loved and appreciated by so many women who have struggled all their lives but have found the path to a much healthier and happier life through you (and Louise Hay). I love your spirit and energy, thank you for all you have achieved for women. I love being on he journey with you.
Love Denise Grant
Bless you! And thanks!
I agree with everything. But, no mention of financial sustainability. Unless you were born into wealth, hit it big, had no kids,
or at least have a guaranteed pension- how do you live without depending on others.
I also believe we are all on a journey and everything happens for a reason. Caring for ourselves per your list is a wonderful thing to do.
Thanks! And Goddess speed always.
Linda Sheridan
God and Love are the SOURCE of all abundance, ultimately. And I agree with you that we must become financially literate. Tony Robbins latest book Master the Game is a real gem on that score. So is Rich Dad, Poor Dad. And my daughter Kate’s book Money, A Love Story!