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This is called "blue zones". In some parts of the world there is an exceptional concentration of healthy elderly people. Nonagenarians and centenarians in Sardinia, Costa Rica, Greece and Japan, where Dr. Vincent Valinducq and naturopath Angèle Ferreux-Maeght, also head chef. Together, they observed these seniors and learned the secrets of longevity. They talk about it Tuesday, in "Without Rendez-Vous" on Europe 1.
Genetic patrimony
Contrary to popular belief, the genetic heritage is responsible for longevity only up to 20%. But it does have an impact in some cases, as in Costa Rica, where the inhabitants of the blue zones have particular genes. "At the end of the chromosomes, there is what is called the telomere.We are all provided with telomeres, whose function is to maintain the stability of the chromosome.The older we get, the shorter the telomeres. the entire telomere has been consumed, the cell is dying In Costa Rica, among nonagenarians and centenarians, the telomere is extremely long, "explains Dr. Vincent Valinducq. In Japan, some would have a gene that would protect them from certain inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Local food and ... monotonous
Food plays a crucial role. Because all the centenarians met by our two experts have one thing in common: "they have consumed all their life products from their vegetable garden, organic and local," says Angèle Ferreux-Maeght. Often these blue areas are isolated on islands, which explains this diet. This does not prevent them from eating foods that are generally considered bad, especially sugar. "On the other hand, it is each time unrefined products, not industrial, which have a much lower glycemic index", completes the head of cooking.
These modes of consumption mean that these seniors have eaten the same thing all their lives. Which presupposes, of course, a certain monotony. "A monotonous diet is conducive to longevity because the digestive system is predisposed to digest food from its region of origin," says Vincent Valinducq. "When we eat Japanese, Mexican or Spanish, we think we are doing good while it is not so good."
Physical exercise
Another secret of longevity: physical activity. And no need to run a marathon at age 80. Some Costa Ricans ride horses every day for more than 86 years. Japanese women bowling. In Sardinia, the steep region favors walking in the mountains.
As for the Greeks, it is ... sexual activity that partly explains their great form. "Having 21 monthly ejaculations would protect against prostate cancer," says Dr. Vincent Valinducq, citing a study. "Centenarians never stop doing things," concludes Angèle Ferreux-Maeght. "They have a role within the family that pushes them to clean, cook, tend to the kitchen garden."
This role also contributes to the creation of a social link, the last pillar of longevity. "The elderly are never isolated, they are in the middle of the family," notes Angèle Ferreux-Maeght. "We give them a real place, a role, they feel active and are stimulated all day." The benefit of the social bond is indeed scientifically proven.