Blue Zones -- California -- National Geographic

Daily Exercise
Photograph by David McLain, Aurora
Located halfway between Palm Springs and Los Angeles in California, Loma Linda is home to a concentration of Seventh-day Adventists with a remarkable distinction: Study results have shown that, as a group, they currently lead the U.S. in longest life expectancy. Dan Buettner visited Loma Linda with photographer David McLain to learn the Adventists’ secrets. The images in this gallery were photographed on assignment for a November 2005 feature article in National Geographic magazine.
Here, 94-year-old Marion Westermeyer emerges from his daily swim in Loma Linda. “I've always needed exercise," says the Seventh-day Adventist. Regular, low-intensity exercise like daily walks appears to reduce the chances of having heart disease and certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) is also important. Adventists with healthy BMIs who keep active and eat meat sparingly, if at all, have lower blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol, and less cardiovascular disease than heavier Americans with higher BMIs.
—Text adapted from the National Geographic book Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest
Family Dinner
Photograph by David McLain, Aurora
The Hoxie family observes the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath at their home in Loma Linda. During Sabbath, the Hoxies prepare and share dinner together, pray, and play board games. Like the Hoxies, many Adventists follow a vegetarian diet. For those who prefer to eat meat, small portions served as a side dish rather than as the main meal are recommended. A light dinner early in the evening is another Adventist practice. It avoids flooding the body with calories during the inactive parts of the day and seems to promote better sleep and a lower BMI.
—Text adapted from the National Geographic book Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest
Sabbath and Nature
Photograph by David McLain, Aurora
The Rawson family races dirt bikes in the hills around their home near Loma Linda. The family downshifts together on the weekends, with church on Saturday (the Sabbath), an afternoon hike, and a dash on their dirt bikes on Sunday. It’s a time taken to focus on family, God, camaraderie, and nature. Adventists claim this relieves stress, strengthens social networks, and provides consistent exercise.
—Text adapted from the National Geographic book Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest
Faith and Purpose
Photograph by David McLain, National Geographic
When she turned 100, Marge Jetton renewed her driver’s license for another five years. But what truly keeps her going, she says, is her Christian faith. The church encourages and provides opportunities for its members to volunteer. Centenarians like Jetton stay active, find sense of purpose, and stave off depression by focusing on helping others.
—Text adapted from the National Geographic book Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest