[Garden guru]

Three years ago I retired and moved to The Villages from Columbus, Ohio. I was excited! Like most people, I had spent decades anticipating the wonders of retirement. Unfortunately, the reality has been less than satisfying. I found here a community of retirees entrenched in The Villages status quo and quick to attack any other point of view or suggestion for change with cries of "If you don't like it, leave". Over these past three years, I've slowly adapted myself to that status quo and sadly, I now don't like the person I've become. Although I've incorporated some Villages group activities into my life, I find that I also spend way too much time complaining and gossiping about others (either in person or online), eat far too many unhealthy calories in restaurants and at other social events, and am much more sedentary overall than before I retired. Consequently, I’ve gained weight and now have borderline lab values when I visit the doctor. It seems clear to me that I’m on the wrong track to a healthy, fulfilling retirement, and it’s time to make some radical changes.
To that end, I’ve been looking for a plan, and in so doing, stumbled upon The Blue Zones Project. I’ve decided to give it a try, not because it’s endorsed by some medical organization or by some big weight loss corporation or by some celebrity. I’m attracted to it because it’s based on scientific research that looked at common habits of the world’s healthiest, longest-lived people in five locations around the globe. In short, I’m attracted to it because it’s a lifestyle, not some new diet fad. And I’m attracted to it because the health and longevity of the people in the Blue Zones speaks for itself.
I’m sharing all of this because The Blue Zones Project identified nine common factors found in these five cultures, and one of them centers around belonging to a morai, or group of friends, who meet together regularly to support one another and to share a positive commitment to a healthy, fulfilling life. I’m hoping to find my own morai here in The Villages, but I need to find a few other women who are also ready for a change. Any ladies out there interested? Here’s the link to more info about The Blue Zones Project. If you’re interested, please send me a private message.

Blue Zones – Live Longer, Better | Live Longer, Better

[graciegirl]

Here is the synopsis of The Blue Zones.

"Characteristics[edit]





Venn Diagram of longevity clues from Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda
The people inhabiting Blue Zones share common lifestyle characteristics that contribute to their longevity. The Venn diagram at the right highlights the following six shared characteristics among the people of Okinawa, Sardinia, and Loma Linda Blue Zones:[8]
Family – put ahead of other concerns
Less smoking
Semi-vegetarianism – except for the Sardinian diet, the majority of food consumed is derived from plants
Constant moderate physical activity – an inseparable part of life
Social engagement – people of all ages are socially active and integrated into their communities
Legumes – commonly consumed

Buettner in his book provide a list of nine lessons, covering the lifestyle of blue zones people:[9]
1.Moderate, regular physical activity.
2.Life purpose.
3.Stress reduction.
4.Moderate calories intake.
5.Plant-based diet.
6.Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine.
7.Engagement in spirituality or religion.
8.Engagement in family life.
9.Engagement in social life."

Sounds a bit like the China Study and other things promoted by VillagesPl. He was not very flexible.

I am amused at how much fun it would be to sit around and talk with a group who consumes mostly legumes.

I am also from Columbus, Ohio. My only requirement for friends is that they have a sense of humor.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Garden guru

Three years ago I retired and moved to The Villages from Columbus, Ohio. I was excited! Like most people, I had spent decades anticipating the wonders of retirement. Unfortunately, the reality has been less than satisfying. I found here a community of retirees entrenched in The Villages status quo and quick to attack any other point of view or suggestion for change with cries of "If you don't like it, leave". Over these past three years, I've slowly adapted myself to that status quo and sadly, I now don't like the person I've become. Although I've incorporated some Villages group activities into my life, I find that I also spend way too much time complaining and gossiping about others (either in person or online), eat far too many unhealthy calories in restaurants and at other social events, and am much more sedentary overall than before I retired. Consequently, I’ve gained weight and now have borderline lab values when I visit the doctor. It seems clear to me that I’m on the wrong track to a healthy, fulfilling retirement, and it’s time to make some radical changes.
To that end, I’ve been looking for a plan, and in so doing, stumbled upon The Blue Zones Project. I’ve decided to give it a try, not because it’s endorsed by some medical organization or by some big weight loss corporation or by some celebrity. I’m attracted to it because it’s based on scientific research that looked at common habits of the world’s healthiest, longest-lived people in five locations around the globe. In short, I’m attracted to it because it’s a lifestyle, not some new diet fad. And I’m attracted to it because the health and longevity of the people in the Blue Zones speaks for itself.
I’m sharing all of this because The Blue Zones Project identified nine common factors found in these five cultures, and one of them centers around belonging to a morai, or group of friends, who meet together regularly to support one another and to share a positive commitment to a healthy, fulfilling life. I’m hoping to find my own morai here in The Villages, but I need to find a few other women who are also ready for a change. Any ladies out there interested? Here’s the link to more info about The Blue Zones Project. If you’re interested, please send me a private message.

Blue Zones – Live Longer, Better | Live Longer, Better

How is this doing for you now? Did you get a group started? I am still thinking about getting a once a month group of women who lived at some time in Columbus, Ohio, or better yet grew up there so we can eat and talk and laugh. I prefer girls over seventy.

I kind of stole your thread but I would really enjoy hanging out with folks who were raised like I was and in the same place. Any takers?

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by Garden guru

Three years ago I retired and moved to The Villages from Columbus, Ohio. I was excited! Like most people, I had spent decades anticipating the wonders of retirement. Unfortunately, the reality has been less than satisfying. I found here a community of retirees entrenched in The Villages status quo and quick to attack any other point of view or suggestion for change with cries of "If you don't like it, leave". Over these past three years, I've slowly adapted myself to that status quo and sadly, I now don't like the person I've become. Although I've incorporated some Villages group activities into my life, I find that I also spend way too much time complaining and gossiping about others (either in person or online), eat far too many unhealthy calories in restaurants and at other social events, and am much more sedentary overall than before I retired. Consequently, I’ve gained weight and now have borderline lab values when I visit the doctor. It seems clear to me that I’m on the wrong track to a healthy, fulfilling retirement, and it’s time to make some radical changes.
To that end, I’ve been looking for a plan, and in so doing, stumbled upon The Blue Zones Project. I’ve decided to give it a try, not because it’s endorsed by some medical organization or by some big weight loss corporation or by some celebrity. I’m attracted to it because it’s based on scientific research that looked at common habits of the world’s healthiest, longest-lived people in five locations around the globe. In short, I’m attracted to it because it’s a lifestyle, not some new diet fad. And I’m attracted to it because the health and longevity of the people in the Blue Zones speaks for itself.
I’m sharing all of this because The Blue Zones Project identified nine common factors found in these five cultures, and one of them centers around belonging to a morai, or group of friends, who meet together regularly to support one another and to share a positive commitment to a healthy, fulfilling life. I’m hoping to find my own morai here in The Villages, but I need to find a few other women who are also ready for a change. Any ladies out there interested? Here’s the link to more info about The Blue Zones Project. If you’re interested, please send me a private message.

Blue Zones – Live Longer, Better | Live Longer, Better

Why is your font so big !! Very difficult to read.

[John_W]

If you're gaining too many pounds, have too much free time and lack friends, I would join the MVP Health Club at Brownwood. They have all professional instructors with many classes everyday. On a typical day the exercise schedule will include Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Group Active, Group Core, Group Power, R30 (bicycle), Healthy Lifestyle, Zone Training and many others. They also have treadmills, stationary bikes, all types of equipment and weights, nine fitness advisors you can hire for personal training. They have a spa which offers a 60 minute massage for less than $45. I would give it a lot of thought, it would be good for both your mind and your body.

Premier Gym, Fitness Center, and Health Club in Brownwood Paddock Square | MVP Sports Clubs

[2BNTV]

Staying at a recommended weight is difficult especially in TV where there are so many opportunities to get sidetracked.

Being a type 2 diabetic, I believe it's best to eat several small meals a day. They call it a lifestyle change. I don't believe in any diet as people will always crave certain foods and diets are doomed to fail. IMHO

I would be in big trouble if I didn't belong to a gym and exercise fairly vigorously but that's me.

It's best to eat in controlled amounts. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.