What would enable you to live longer?

That’s a question that has been making its rounds in the wake of a captivating documentary series called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”. The Netflix series, which explores the question of why people in six regions in the world live longer than average—with some surpassing the age of 100—has been the subject of much coffeeshop discussion.

Interestingly, Singapore has been featured as one of the six “Blue Zones”, which refer to places where people live longer and have better health as they age.

Perhaps the longevity of Singaporeans can be attributed, in some part, to national efforts such as healthier eating campaigns, improving access to medical facilities, and more sports amenities and exercise programmes.

According to the Blue Zone study, some of the core factors that contribute to the remarkable longevity of centenarians around the world include:

• a profound sense of purpose
• being actively engaged with their communities
• a healthy lifestyle through diet and physical activity

One thing that has been observed about centenarians was that they refrain from overindulging in the comforts and conveniences of modern living.

While technology and contemporary life have improved our daily lives, they’ve also eroded some good habits and compromised our physical well-being and, ultimately, our lifespans.

Escalators, for example, have reduced our need to climb stairs, fast-food outlets and hawker centres tempt us into unhealthy diets, and we spend far too many hours at work—and on our digital devices. Our busy, individualistic lifestyles have also increasingly led us to isolate ourselves and grow apart from community.

All this has prompted me to wonder: Is there such thing as a “blue spiritual zone”? Is there anything we can do, as believers in Christ, to age gracefully not just physically, but also spiritually? How can we live our life of faith to its fullest?

Reflecting on our faith journey and taking a cue from the secrets of those who live to 100, I believe we can cultivate a “blue spiritual zone” in our lives:

Live with purpose.

Having a strong sense of purpose enables people to live more meaningful lives. The Bible reminds us that God, in giving us His gift of salvation, has a purpose for all of us who follow Him. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works”—such as serving and loving others, as well as sharing the good news. God is continually renewing us to reflect His love and goodness in our lives, so that we will bring glory to His name (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Live in fellowship with others.

Many of those who live longer tend to have healthy relationships with their family and friends. In the same way, building a “blue spiritual zone” means living in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16), bearing each other’s burdens in love (Ephesians 4:2–3), working diligently to build unity (1 Corinthians 1:10), and continually encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:25).

Nourish ourselves spiritually.

Just as a well-balanced diet is crucial for physical health, daily meditation on God’s Word is vital for our spiritual well-being (Joshua 1:8). There is much joy to be found in God’s Word, for it will assure us of God’s everlasting presence, protection, and love. No wonder Psalm 119:103 eloquently described God’s words as “sweeter than honey”.

As Christians, we know and trust that the length of our time on this earth is predetermined by God. But we can do our part to live out these years with a profound spiritual purpose. By serving God and others, and immersing ourselves in His everlasting Word, we can be prepared for a life that extends far beyond 100 years, spanning into eternity.

Father, grant me the courage and strength to live with purpose, the love and compassion to live in fellowship with others, and the discipline and desire to spend time with You, that I may grow in walk with You.