Growing up in the 1960s, I had the distinct advantage of parents who were avid newspaper readers. Part of that luxury came from the fact that my father owned a gas station, and the morning (and for many years, evening) editions of the Nashville papers provided plenty of conversation fodder for the regular customers who frequented his business.
Of course, the first section I was interested in was the comics, and first in the comics was the Peanuts strip by Charles Schulz. And as with many – children and adults alike – my favorite character in the Peanuts comic strip was Snoopy. Because newspaper seemed to vanish after a day or so, the gift of the first Peanuts Treasury book in 1969 was a true treasure – one that is still in my library.
In the “Peanuts” comic strip, Snoopy, Charlie Brown’s imaginative beagle, is known for many quirks and catchphrases. One of his most memorable expressions is the simple yet evocative “bleah.”
The Bleah Zone
“Bleah” first appeared in the Peanuts comics as Snoopy’s way of expressing disgust, disappointment, or general dissatisfaction. Creator Charles M. Schulz used this expression to give Snoopy a unique “voice” without resorting to actual speech bubbles, as Snoopy’s thoughts were typically shown in thought balloons.
When Snoopy says “bleah,” it’s often accompanied by a distinctive facial expression – a look of disgust with his tongue sticking out. This expression is used in various situations:
1. Food-related disgust: Often when faced with dog food he doesn’t like.
2. Disappointment: When plans fall through or expectations aren’t met.
3. Annoyance: In response to other characters’ actions or statements.
4. General dissatisfaction: As a commentary on life’s little frustrations.
“Bleah” became one of Snoopy’s trademark expressions, instantly recognizable to Peanuts fans. Its simplicity and versatility made it a popular phrase beyond the comics, often used by people to express their own feelings of disgust or disappointment in a lighthearted way.
The expression has been featured in Peanuts TV specials, merchandise, and even entered common usage among fans. It represents Snoopy’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple, dog-like utterances, adding to his charm as a character who bridges the human and canine worlds.
“Bleah” remains a quintessential part of Snoopy’s character, embodying his expressive nature and the comic strip’s ability to convey relatable emotions through seemingly simple means.
For the purpose of this discussion, however, there is also a phonetically similar sounding phrase that is important: the Blue Zone.
The Blue Zone
“Blue zones” are regions where people live significantly longer than average. This concept, and the research surrounding it, has gained popularity in health and lifestyle studies over the past two decades.
The term “blue zone” was first coined by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic fellow, in 2005. It originated from a demographic study of Sardinia, Italy, where researchers used blue markers to highlight areas with a high concentration of centenarians. His latest book, The Blue Zone: Secrets for Living Longer, brings readers a beautifully illustrated and informative guide to the places on Earth where people live the longest—including lessons learned, top longevity foods, and the behaviors to help you live to 100.
Buettner and his team identified five blue zones worldwide:
- Okinawa, Japan
- Sardinia, Italy
- Nicoya, Costa Rica
- Ikaria, Greece
- Loma Linda, California, USA
Blue zone research focuses on common lifestyle factors among these long-lived populations, including:
- Plant-based diets
- Regular physical activity
- Strong social connections
- Sense of purpose
- Stress reduction techniques
Today, blue zone research informs public health initiatives, urban planning, and individual lifestyle choices. Some cities and communities have implemented “Blue Zones Projects” to promote healthier living based on these principles.
The concept has also influenced the food industry, with “blue zone” diets becoming popular among health-conscious consumers.
While the research has its critics who point out potential confounding factors, the blue zone concept continues to shape discussions about longevity and healthy aging…
…two very important parts of the journey to becoming a Modern Elder!
While working through Chip Conley’s wonderful book, Learning to Love Midlife, these two concepts come together in the first of twelve reasons of why life gets better with age.
We Have More Life Left Than We Thought
As we approach middle age, it’s crucial to differentiate between life span and health span. Life span refers to our total years of life, while health span describes the period we remain free from serious illnesses and capable of independent living.
In the U.S. life spans have been increasing over the past decades. In my case, having reached age 65 last year, there’s at least a 50 percent chance I will live past 85.
Fortunately, health spans are also increasing, with those reaching 85 more likely to have maintained an active lifestyle in their later years. It’s possible to slow down biological aging compared to chronological aging.
The 20th century saw remarkable progress in extending life expectancy, with a global average increase of 30 years. Now, the focus shifts to enhancing the quality of these additional years, ensuring that extended lives are filled with depth and meaning.
Dan Buettner, a faculty member at Modern Elder Academy and author of the renowned Blue Zones research referenced above, has identified nine key factors associated with living long, healthy lives. His work examines regions worldwide known for exceptional longevity:
- Move Naturally – The world’s longest-living people garden and go for walks. They don’t necessarily pump iron.
- Have a Purpose – Being clear about one’s sense of purpose can add seven to eight years to one’s life expectancy.
- Downshift – People with a long life span-and a long health span — incorporate practices into their daily lives that reduce stress and promote mental health.
- Eat by the 80 Percent Rule – Healthy agers stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full.
- Eat Plants – A plant-based diet with a limited amount of meat can extend your life several years.
- Drink Alcohol Moderately – People in Blue Zones drink regularly and moderately, generally with friends and/or food.
- Belong to a Faith Community – Attending faith-based services weekly can add four to fourteen years of life expectancy.
- Prioritize Loved Ones – Whether it’s with blood- or chosen-family, those who live to be centenarians have deep bonds with their kin.
- Find a Healthy Tribe – The people who live the longest thrive in social circles that support healthy behaviors and a sense of connection.
If your current life style is more like Snoopy’s “bleah zone,” it doesn’t mean you can’t improve your longevity. Adopting lifestyle habits from “blue zones” – regions known for exceptional longevity – can potentially increase your both your life span and your health span.
It’s important to note that as you enter middle age, behaviors that seemed harmless in your youth may begin to have more significant impacts on your health. This stage of life is a crucial time to recognize and act on our ability to shape our future health and longevity through our choices and habits.
What will it be? On the journey to becoming a Modern Elder, which choice will you make:
Bleah or Blue?
Inspired by:
27gen.com 