Guest Column by Ellen Kehr

Ellen Kehr is the organization lead for the Blue Zones Project in Albert Lea.

Invest time and energy in your children, your spouse and your parents by putting your loved ones first.

Residents living in the original Blue Zones areas share common lifestyle habits called Power 9 — helping them live longer, healthier, happier lives. Prioritizing family first is one of them.

Blue Zones researchers discovered that the healthiest, happiest centenarians in the world tend to build their lives around their families. Taking care of “la familia” is their main purpose in life. This lifelong devotion to family pays off. In Sardinia and other Blue Zones, younger generations return the love and care they received from their parents and grandparents.

Studies show that elders who live with their families tend to eat healthier, experience less stress and have fewer serious accidents, such as falls. They also have sharper mental and social skills than those who live alone or in an assisted care facility.

Such strong family values ensure that everyone in the family — young and old — is cared for and loved. Children check on their elderly parents, and grandchildren pay daily visits to their grandparents. Often, seniors live with their families until they die.

Living together or spending time together offers a healthy advantage for the entire family, especially the elderly. Seniors get immediate care when they need it. They are directly involved in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives. They often help with childcare and contribute to a smoothly-functioning household. This gives elders a stronger sense of purpose and belonging — both essential ingredients for longevity. They love, and they are loved in return. All of this adds up to a healthier, happier family network that supports each other.

The trend seems to be moving in the opposite direction in America. Jam-packed schedules make it a challenge for busy families to spend time together. But you can beat the trend. Create time for you and your family to be together. Share a meal at least once a day, take a vacation together every year, and get active together. Go on walks or bike rides together. It’s not so much what you do; just do it together.

It’s not always easy to stay connected when family members are scattered. Many of our relatives live far away. Fill in the gaps between visits with a weekly phone call. Exchange letters or emails often to stay in touch with one another. Video clips can be a wonderful way for grandparents to keep up with their grandchildren’s everyday experiences and milestones. Send grandparents care packages with your kids’ drawings and schoolwork. Involve grandparents in your lives. Grandparents can offer love, support, wisdom and motivation to help their younger family members succeed.

Albert Lea is a proud Blue Zones community. By following in the traditions of the original Blue Zones we can help each other live longer, healthier, happier lives by putting our loved ones first.