When I drive clients around town they often comment on how surprised they are to see such a young and vital looking population -- walking on the beaches, dining in the restaurants, biking along the streets. The idea of Naples being an “old retirement” community is outdated. Sure there are plenty of people who are retired (whatever that means) and there’s no shortage of gray hair (including mine), but what we have here is a vibrant and healthy group of people – regardless of their chronological age.

And we’re not resting on our laurels. Naples is becoming a Blue Zones Community. The Blue Zones Project began as a New York Times bestseller by National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner, and has evolved into a global movement that is inspiring people to live longer, more active lives with lower rates of chronic disease.

From Sardina, Italy to Okinawa, Japan to Loma Linda California, people are living vibrant active lives well into their hundreds. Buettner calls these areas Blue Zones and they’re the inspiration behind his book:  The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. The evidence based research among the places with the highest life expectancy includes the following nine common denominators – called the Power 9:

1. Move Naturally. This is easy to do in Naples, the climate encourages regular outdoor activity.

2. Purpose. Knowing your sense of purpose is worth up to 7 years of extra life expectancy.

3. Down Shift. Reduce your stress. Watching a glorious Naples sunset is just the ticket.

4. 80% Rule. Stop eating when your stomach is 80% full -- challenging with so many great restaurants in Naples!

5. Plant Slant. Eat more fruits and veggies - most of Naples fine eateries have healthy menu options that make this a piece of cake…er, carrot cake.

6. Wine @ 5. Enjoy a glass of wine with good friends each day.

7. Belong. Research shows that most centenarians participate in a faith-based community.

8. Loved Ones First. Making your family a priority is easier when you live in Naples – they want to come visit!

9. Right Tribe. The world’s longest living people live in circles that support healthy behaviors. Welcome to Naples!

By: Jackie Perrett