Holy Name University College of Health Sciences Department of Nursing Name: John Russel D. Ragasajo Level & Section: BSN 3-E Date: 09/22/23 “Reflection Paper: Live 100: Blue Zone” "Live to 100: Blue Zone" offered me, as a nursing student aspiring to provide holistic care, a profound glimpse into health and longevity. This amazing documentary looked at Blue Zones, places where people live exceptionally long lives and are in excellent health. I'll go into great detail about the film's remarkable insights and how they helped me understand nursing and healthcare better in this reflection paper. The documentary underscored the pivotal role of diet in shaping one's health and lifespan. It was clear that people who live in Blue Zones, such as those in Okinawa, Sardinia, Nicoya, Ikaria, and Loma Linda, constantly give fresh, plant-based foods first priority in their diets. One thing all of their meals had in common was the quantity of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. They have excellent health, which is certainly influenced by their food habits. This emphasizes the essential role that nutritional education and support play in promoting health to me as a nursing student. The cornerstone of preventative healthcare is urging patients to adopt nutrient-rich, plantbased diets. Another poignant and recurring theme in the documentary was the profound impact of strong social bonds within Blue Zone communities. These close-knit communities offered people emotional support, a sense of community, and a safety net. It was made clearly obvious in the documentary that social wellness is essential for good health. This broadens my understanding as a nursing student of the importance of addressing patients' emotional and social needs in addition to their physical health. It emphasizes the crucial part nurses play in fostering relationships, enabling support networks, and taking care of the psychological aspects of health. The importance of leading an active lifestyle in fostering lifespan and wellbeing was also highlighted in the documentary. Walking, gardening, or performing traditional dances were all common daily physical activities for people living in the Blue Zone. Their vigor appeared to be greatly influenced by this regular physical activity. This reaffirms the value of promoting regular exercise as a way to prevent and manage numerous health disorders to me as a nursing student. Nursing care places a greater emphasis on encouraging patients to engage in physical exercise. The documentary's maybe most important takeaway was that environmental circumstances and lifestyle decisions have just as much of an impact on longevity as genetics. This emphasizes the duty of medical professionals, particularly nurses, to inform and assist patients in making healthy decisions. In addition to treating illnesses, we also give people the tools they need to take control of their own health. In conclusion, my experience watching "Live to 100: Blue Zone" has been very profound. By highlighting the complex interactions of diet, social relationships, physical exercise, and personal decisions in determining health and lifespan, it has improved my understanding of healthcare. My dedication to the nursing field has been strengthened by watching this documentary, which has inspired me to promote holistic patient care that addresses not just physical conditions but also other aspects of health and well-being. It has given me a newfound passion for learning and growing as a healthcare professional and for advancing health and wellbeing in all of its forms.
