Have you heard about blue zones?

One of Dr. Oz’s doctor friends has been studying longevity in people around the world for quite some time now and he recently unveiled what he called “blue zones” on Oprah (and yes, I still TIVO Oprah in spite of our significant differences of opinion on many things).

Anyway…

Dr. Oz’s doctor friend identified hotbeds of centenarians (my SAT word of the day – someone who lives to be 100 years or greater) and traveled to their homes to try to uncover common denominators amongst them.

I didn’t see the whole show but one theme I did pick up on was that centenarians typically share the fact that they have purpose in life.  Many of them live in multiple generational families and even the oldest members contribute to the daily activities and chores that keep things running smoothly.  Most of these centenarians live in underdeveloped countries where it takes an incredible amount of effort just to get food on the table each day, especially for a large household.  The women rise with the sun and prepare tortillas – from scratch.  The men go out and clear underbrush with big, heavy machetes so that they can gather fruit from the trees.

All this to tell you that one of the keys to living a long and fulfilling life is to wake up each day with a purpose.  With a job to do.  A place to go.  Someone to see.  Tortillas to make.

If that’s the case, I’m in good shape.

I have a tendency to create work for myself.

Lots and lots of work.

Take the from-scratch Thanksgiving meal I recently labored for days over for example.

Or the fact that Jeff and I spent the entire weekend painting Kennedy and Cassidy’s room.  And assembling new bunk beds for them.

Yes.  In the midst of the busiest season of the year.

No, I didn’t get to the holiday baking.

Or the sending of the cards.

Or the wrapping of the gifts.

Don’t worry though; I’ve got all of it on today’s this week’s to-do list.

I’m all about longevity.