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By Annette Hillis, Resident Over the past few months, we uncovered some of the hidden toxins in our environment and explored how food choices can protect – or jeopardize – our health. Now, we turn to the science behind wellness itself. What do longitudinal studies say about how to live longer… and better? In this nal installment, we delve into three groundbreaking studies that reveal the habits and mindsets that researchers have found lead to a long and healthy life. One of the most comprehensive nutrition experiments ever conducted, e China Study, examined over 6,500 adults during the 1980s. Hundreds of dietary, lifestyle, and health variables were assessed. e results concluded that those who consumed a plant-based diet had lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Conversely, the data revealed a strong link between eating substantial amounts of animal protein and developing one of these debilitating conditions. e China Study also found that the food a community has immediate access to strongly inuences its health outcomes. In other words, food availability in a region greatly impacted the health of its population. e Twin Study, launched in 1979 and continuing for 20 years, set out to separate genetic from environmental inuences by examining identical twins raised apart. Major results from the investigation showed that stress resilience and personality traits like optimism and conscientiousness were linked to better health outcomes. And, while genetics does play a role in lifespan, lifestyle factors have a greater inuence. In addition, being physically active signicantly reduces the risk of chronic disease, even among genetically identical individuals. A fascinating discovery on wellness was made by Dan Buettner in 2004 when he coined the term the Blue Zones aer he took a National Geographic expedition seeking locations worldwide where the inhabitants had unusually high centenarian rates, or years that a person lived aer 100. Five zones were identied: Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Ikaria, (Greece), and Loma Linda, California. Among other things, those that lived in the Blue Zones emphasized physical movement through everyday activities such as walking, gardening, and manual work, rather than through structured exercise, such as going to the gym. Another conclusion of this study was that maintaining strong social connections and having a life purpose is linked to longer life expectancy. Interestingly, residents in these Blue Zones also said they regularly practice stress-relief rituals like napping, praying, or practicing mindfulness. (Netix has an in-depth documentary on the Blue Zones if more information is desired.) e common takeaways from all three of these studies reveal the following recommendations: Eat mostly whole, plant-based food, stay active in natural ways, manage stress through rest and social bonds, foster strong relationships and community ties, and nd purpose and meaning in life. From rural villages in China to vibrant communities in the world's Blue Zones, and even among genetically identical twins, decades of data point to a powerful truth: how we live matters more than we think. 16 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JUNE 2025 Science Meets Wellness