Tag Archives: Isolated

Travel |

|

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Kalaupapa Lookout

Located in Kalaupapa, on the island of Moloka’i, the Kalaupapa National Historic Park has had quite a dark role to play when it comes to the history of Hawaii. When Hansen’s Disease, otherwise known as leprosy, was introduced to the island in the 1830’s by foreign workers, Kalaupapa was designated as an isolation settlement, housing those who had been afflicted by the then-incurable disease. These historic settlements have been preserved throughout Kalaupapa National Historic Park, and, combined with the incredible natural beauty that the park boasts, it is a great destination at which to learn more about a turbulent time in Hawaii’s past.

Learning About Kalaupapa’s History
In order for the public to learn as much as possible about Kalaupapa’s sad past, Kalaupapa National Historic Park works hard to preserve all of their authentic historic features. From the buildings to the roads to the grave markers, the history that is still clearly visible throughout the park is definitely impressive. The park is also home to a museum collection that tells the story of the devastation that leprosy caused, with over 300,000 objects to depict this, including first-hand accounts from those who were directly affected by the disease. Kalaupapa is still home to a number of people who contracted leprosy, suffering for a while before they were eventually cured in later years.

Wildlife
Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, and it is truly incredible to imagine how the islands slowly filled with animal life over the years, with creatures that were either drifted in by the sea or blown in by the wind. The islands of Hawaii are known for their natural diversity, with 95% of their native animals not being found anywhere else in the world. The isolation and seclusion of the Kalaupapa National Historic Park means that it provides a protective sanctuary for a vast array of wildlife, from rare tropical fish to endangered birds to colorful marine life.

Kalaupapa mule tour

Kalaupapa Mule Tour
One of the most popular ways to explore the Kalaupapa National Historic Park is on the back of a mule, with guided tours taking you to some of the highlights of the park. In addition to having the opportunity to ride down the highest sea cliffs in the world, visitors are able to experience and learn about the park’s history from a traditional, but unique, perspective.

Natural Beauty
For those that are interested in nature, there are a number of plant varieties in the Kalaupapa National Historic Park that promise to fascinate you, as well as areas of incredible natural beauty. From native palms to endangered grasses to lava tubes and caves to soaring sea cliffs, the natural beauty around the park is wonderfully diverse.

A small peninsula of lush land that is surrounded by steep cliffs, visitors can easily see why Kalaupapa was chosen as a quarantine area when leprosy became rampant in Hawaii. The park’s history, as well as its untouched natural beauty, which is perfectly reminiscent of Old Hawaii, serves as a significant reminder of some of the struggles that Hawaii has faced over the years, the effects of which still haunt the Kalaupapa National Historic Park today.

Lifestyle |

|

Blue Zones Around the World

Blue zones have been identified all over the world, and, if you are lucky enough to be living in one, you will find that you enjoy a longer and healthier life than average. Currently, there are five blue zones around the world that have been identified and researched through a collaboration with National Geographic and other journalists, and they all have certain factors in common. From a lack of pollution to a daily routine that encompasses plenty of exercise and activity to low stress levels and strong family ties, these five blue zones are all worth looking into if you have been considering relocating due to health reasons.

Sardinia

Sardinia, Italy
Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Sardinia is the second largest of the Italian islands, and its dazzling coastline is often its main draw for tourists. It has recently been discovered that, genetically, Sardinians carry the M26 marker, which has been linked to exceptional longevity. Since Sardinia is a relatively isolated island, these genes have remained ‘undiluted’, which is why the island has been home to more centenarians per capita than most other countries in the world. Sardinians also maintain a traditional lifestyle, from hunting and fishing for food, eating a healthy Mediterranean diet, and keeping close ties with friends and family, earning them a top spot in the list of blue zones.

Loma Linda, California
Loma Linda in California is considered to be one of the healthiest communities in the USA. A large number of those who live in Loma Linda are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, meaning that they follow the church’s recommendations when it comes to diet and lifestyle choices. The church recommends a vegetarian diet, placing an emphasis on avoiding alcohol, drugs and tobacco. The church also heavily promotes “pure water, fresh air, and sunlight”, all of which feature heavily in the lives of the Loma Linda residents.

Okinawa

Okinawa, Japan
Okinawa consists of around a dozen small islands that make up the southern half of Japan’s Southwest Islands. The diet in Okinawa is one of the reasons why the region has earned itself a spot on the list of blue zones, as Okinawans generally enjoy a plant-based diet, featuring plenty of tofu, stir fried vegetables, miso, and sweet potato. Older Okinawans remain active, with the majority of Okinawan centenarians being enthusiastic gardeners, giving them a productive source of daily activity, a fantastic stress reliever, and a bounty of fresh vegetables to choose from each day.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Measuring about 80 miles long and 30 miles wide, the Nicoya Peninsula is not only the driest part of Costa Rica, but also one of the most isolated. However, residents of this beach paradise all share a few common factors; not only do they enjoy a longer life expectancy, but they also have lower levels of stress and an active and healthy lifestyle. One theory behind this that is related to the water that Nicoyans have access to, as it runs through limestone, meaning that it is high in magnesium and calcium, therefore leading to stronger bones and bodies.

Ikaria.

Ikaria, Greece
Those who live on the Greek island of Ikaria thrive on an ideal balance of a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and strong social connections. Wild and homegrown vegetables feature heavily on the Ikarian diet, while physical activity is a beneficially necessary part of their lifestyle. Family and social ties are also important, meaning that, as they age, the social roles of the average Ikarian continuously increase.

Even if living in one of the blue zones is not possible for you, there are many aspects of life that each of these unique locations share. From a plant-based diet to a lifestyle that incorporates plenty of exercise to strong family and social connections, it would seem as though these are the factors that can help to guarantee a longer, and happier, life.