Blue Zones and Longevity

The longest-lived people run on a high-carb diet, and it’s a big part of their secret to living to 100 (msn.com)

Story by Mary K. Jacob

In the quest for longevity and the elixir of everlasting youth, the world has turned its gaze to the remarkable regions known as “Blue Zones.” These enclaves of vitality and well-being have ignited curiosity and wonder across the globe — and it’s time to delve into their secrets.

Blue Zones are those magical corners of the world

Where people seemingly defy the aging process. They possess a playbook for life that involves a harmonious blend of healthy living, strong communities and a sense of purpose that rivals a New Yorker’s determination to catch a cab in the rain.

The story of Blue Zones begins with researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, who stumbled upon the first of these remarkable locales. But it was the indefatigable Dan Buettner who took the baton and ran with it, identifying these Blue Zones while diving deep into their secrets of a long, healthy life.

In a world where fast food and sedentary lifestyles often take center stage, there are pockets of the globe where residents are not only living longer, but also thriving in the process. Enter these regions where centenarians are not the exception, but the norm.

The Sardinian secret: where centenarians roam

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Sardinia, Italy, the first Blue Zone unveiled its timeless secrets. Here, male shepherds are the undisputed champions of longevity, their daily routines including traversing mountainous terrain and feasting on plant-based fare.

But it’s not just about diet and exercise in Sardinia; it’s about strong family bonds that permeate the culture.

Inside the top 5 places in the world where people live the longest —past 100

Cagliari cityscape and architecture in Sardinia island – Search Videos (bing.com)

When it comes to living a long, healthy life, the people of Sardinia have cracked the code. This enchanting Italian island is home to some of the world’s oldest and healthiest individuals. So, what’s their secret?

At the core of general Sardinian longevity is the classic diet, a wholesome blend of nature’s bounty. Whole-grain bread, hearty beans, garden-fresh vegetables, an abundance of fruits and in some regions the unique touch of mastic oil. But it doesn’t stop there; Sardinians also eat pecorino cheese crafted from grass-fed sheep, packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Meat? Reserved for special occasions and Sundays.

In Sardinia, family isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life.

Strong family bonds also ensure that every member is cared for, a potent defense against depression, suicide and stress. Research shows that those living in such nurturing environments enjoy improved mental well-being and overall life satisfaction.

Tourists at a street cafe on Corso Umberto Street in Olbia, Sardinia, Italy.

Grandparents additionally hold a cherished role in Sardinian society. They offer love, childcare, financial support and a wealth of wisdom. Their influence motivates the younger generation to uphold traditions and strive for success, contributing to healthier, more well-adjusted and longer-lived children. It’s a recipe for a population-wide life-expectancy boost.

As for those Sardinian shepherds, they know the value of a good walk.

Covering 5 miles a day, their cardiovascular health thrives, along with improved muscle and bone metabolism. No need for joint-pounding marathons or triathlons. And don’t forget the daily glass or two of red wine.

Are starchy carbohydrates good for your body – Search (bing.com)

Typical fresh pasta filled with potatoes and mint, Sardinia, Italy.

Healing Properties of Potatoes – Search (bing.com)

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are starchy root vegetables that are a staple food source in many areas of the world. Though potatoes are the most-consumed vegetable in the United States, they’re often considered unhealthy due to their high carbohydrate content and use in the fast food industry.

However, potatoes have many nutritional benefits. They provide an array of essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium and fiber. They also contain antioxidants and other protective plant compounds.

All potatoes can be a healthy choice when cooked using methods that preserve their nutritional value. Varieties like purple, red, and sweet potatoes stand out due to their high nutrient content, but preparation is an important factor in how healthy potatoes are in general.

1. Purple Potatoes

Purple potatoes are packed with beneficial plant compounds, including anthocyanins (a type of antioxidant). Anthocyanins are polyphenol plant pigments that give foods like fruits and vegetables their purple, blue, or red colors. In addition to giving purple potatoes their saturated color, anthocyanins benefit health by protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation, both of which can help lower chronic disease risk.

Research shows that people who consume diets high in anthocyanin-rich foods, such as purple potatoes, have a lower risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.¹

Purple potatoes may be a better choice for blood sugar control than other potato varieties because of their high polyphenol content. This is because pigmented potatoes have been shown to have a lower effect on blood sugar levels after meals than yellow and white potatoes.² Purple potatoes are also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce (about 100 grams, or 2/3 cup) uncooked serving of purple potatoes:³

Calories: 85
Protein: 1.54 grams (g)
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3.1 g
Potassium: 337 milligrams (mg) or 14% of the Daily Value (DV)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture website (USDA) does not include specific information about vitamin B6 and vitamin C content, but purple potatoes are a rich source of both.⁴⁵

Prep tip: Try baking purple potatoes with olive oil and sprinkling them with salt and pepper for a simple and delicious side dish.

2. Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are an excellent source of flavonoid antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol-rutinose, catechin, and rutin. Red potatoes contain twice the amount of flavonoids as compared to white potatoes.⁶They’re also a rich source of several nutrients, including vitamin C and potassium.

Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce serving of cooked red potatoes:⁷

Calories: 87
Protein: 2.3 g
Carbohydrates: 19.6 g
Fiber: 1.8 g
Potassium: 545 mg or 12% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 0.212 mg or 12% of the DV
Vitamin C: 12.6 mg or 14% of the DV

Like purple potatoes, red potatoes are rich in vitamin C. One 3.5-ounce serving provides 14% of your daily needs for this critical nutrient. Red potatoes are also a good source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and support heart health. Consuming adequate potassium is essential for blood pressure control because potassium helps the body excrete sodium through the urine. It also relaxes blood vessels.⁸

Prep tip: Try pairing red potatoes with other high-potassium foods like beans and lentils in soups and grain dishes for an extra nutritional boost. Leave the skin on, as red potato peels are high in anthocyanin antioxidants.⁶

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are edible roots that belong to the Convolvulaceae, or morning glory, family.⁹ Though they belong to different plant families, sweet potatoes are often grouped with tubers like white, red, and purple potatoes. However, sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients lacking in red, purple, and white potatoes, such as vitamin A.

Sweet potatoes are packed with provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into retinal and retinoic acid, the active forms of vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for several critical processes in the body, such as immune function, cellular growth, and vision.¹⁰

Carotenoids also act as powerful antioxidants in the body, protecting cells from damage that may lead to disease. Diets high in carotenoids have been associated with reduced risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.¹¹

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a 3.5-ounce serving of baked sweet potato with skin:¹²

Calories: 90
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 20.7 g
Fiber: 3.3 g
Magnesium: 27 mg or 6% of the DV
Potassium: 473 mg or 10% of the DV
Vitamin A: 957 micrograms (mcg) or 107% of the DV
Vitamin B6: 0.285 mg or 17% of the DV
Vitamin C: 19.5 mg or 22% of the DV

Sweet potatoes are higher in fiber than red, white, and purple potatoes. They provide about 75% more fiber than the same serving of red potatoes. Fiber is essential for gut health and helps keep bowel movements regular and comfortable. Fiber also helps keep you satiated (feeling full after meals), which reduces the likelihood of overeating.¹³

Prep tip: Sweet potatoes are delicious baked, roasted, or steamed and mashed and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. You can make sweet potato fries by slicing, them, drizzling them with olive oil and spices, and baking them.

Yam vs. Sweet Potato

Yams and sweet potatoes are often lumped together, but they’re completely different vegetables. Sweet potatoes are much richer in vitamin A. They’re sweeter than yams and are often used in dishes like soups or pies.¹⁴ Source Healthiest Potatoes: 3 Types That Are Best For You

Children usually take in their parents as they get older, which shows a higher life expectancy rate. – Search (bing.com)

Sardinians also enjoy wine in moderation, and it turns out, it’s good for more than just raising spirits. Cannonau wine, a local favorite, packs two to three times the artery-scrubbing flavonoids of other wines. It’s no wonder stress levels among the island’s men remain impressively low. Gather with friends, share a laugh and let your worries melt away.

Last but not least, the islanders swear by goat’s milk. This dairy delight contains components that may ward off age-related inflammatory diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Sip on a glass and embrace the Sardinian secret to a vibrant, disease-free life.

Okinawa: The land of age-defying women

In Okinawa, Japan, women hold the crown for longevity. Their diet, laden with superfoods like tofu, miso and seaweed, is complemented by the concept of “ikigai” — a deep sense of purpose that infuses every aspect of life.

Okinawans also thrive through “moai,” lifelong social networks established from childhood that provide emotional and financial support. It’s a community ethos that keeps spirits high and stress levels low.

The inhabitants of Okinawa hold a treasure trove of wisdom. Despite facing years of adversity, they have crafted a lifestyle and environment that fosters remarkable longevity.

An aerial view of Okinawa, Japan.

One of the defining characteristics of older Okinawans is their unshakeable sense of purpose. Ask them why they rise each morning, and they’ll readily articulate it. This imbued sense of purpose infuses their lives with responsibility and the feeling of being needed, even well into their 100s. It’s a powerful motivator that keeps them active and engaged.

Okinawans have also long embraced a plant-based diet. Their meals brim with stir-fried vegetables, sweet potatoes and tofu, delivering an abundance of nutrients with minimal calories. The mighty goya, with its antioxidants and blood sugar-regulating compounds, takes center stage.

While pork does make an occasional appearance in their cuisine, it’s reserved for special ceremonial occasions and consumed in moderation. Moreover, almost all Okinawan centenarians are or were gardeners, a practice that not only provides daily physical activity, but also yields a constant supply of fresh vegetables.

An aerial view over islands with beautiful water and reef surrounding them. From the Kerama island chain in Okinawa, Japan.

Cindy Becker NON -GMO Tofu Recipes – Search Videos (bing.com)

Soy also reigns supreme in the Okinawan diet, featuring prominently in dishes like tofu and miso soup. The flavonoids found in tofu may contribute to heart health and shield against breast cancer. Fermented soy foods promote a healthy gut microbiome and offer a cornucopia of nutritional benefits.

As for the moais, they offer both financial and emotional support in times of need. These tight-knit communities provide a profound sense of security, ensuring that no one faces life’s challenges alone.

Sunlight, a free and readily available resource, is a cornerstone of Okinawa life. Regular exposure to the sun stimulates the production of vitamin D, crucial for stronger bones and overall well-being. Even the island’s seniors maintain optimal vitamin D levels year-round by spending time outdoors daily.

Okinawan elders are no strangers to physical activity. With minimal furniture in their homes, they dine and relax on tatami mats on the floor, requiring them to get up and down numerous times each day. This routine builds lower body strength and balance, reducing the risk of debilitating falls.

Meanwhile, gardens are not just for beauty — they also serve as medicinal treasure troves. Mugwort, ginger and turmeric, staples of an Okinawan garden, boast proven medicinal qualities. Daily consumption of these herbs may offer protection against various illnesses.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable traits of Okinawans is their attitude. They exude affable smugness, embracing life’s simple pleasures and leaving the difficulties of the past behind. They radiate likability, drawing younger generations into their company, enriching their lives as they age gracefully.

In the pursuit of longevity and well-being, Okinawa stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Their time-tested practices offer a blueprint for a life filled with purpose, health and contentment.

Loma Linda: A Longevity Oasis in California – Search Videos (bing.com)

Despite America’s reputation for having one of the world’s highest obesity rates,

there lies a small area in San Bernardino County, California that defies all odds.

In the city of Loma Linda, a surprising phenomenon emerges. Residents there live a staggering 10 years longer on average than their fellow Americans. Why? They’re predominantly Seventh-day Adventists, a community that draws its plant-based diet directly from the Bible — grains, nuts and legumes galore.

But that’s not all. These health-conscious folks avoid smoking, alcohol and often steer clear of red meat, shellfish, refined foods and caffeine. Their dedication to an active lifestyle, and their strong sense of faith and family, are cornerstones of their remarkable longevity.

Aerial view of the Loma Linda cityscape in California @LLUH – Search Videos

The Seventh-day Adventist Lifestyle has been a cornerstone of the Loma Linda community since the 1840s. As the church thrived throughout the 20th century, so did its 430 members in this idyllic region, where they hold the belief that health is an integral part of their faith. The body is a temple.

(Today, approximately 9,000 Adventists call Loma Linda home —

and they are at the heart of America’s Blue Zone region.)

The 24-hour Sabbath observed by Adventists is not just a religious ritual; it’s a weekly respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. During this sacred time, they focus on family, spirituality, camaraderie and the wonders of nature. This break is a powerful stress-reliever, a builder of social networks and a source of consistent physical activity.

Adventists also find strength in numbers, often spending time with fellow community members who share their values. This sense of community and support enhances their overall well-being.

What’s more, the Seventh-day Adventist Church actively encourages and provides opportunities for its members to volunteer. This commitment to helping others not only keeps them active but also gives them a sense of purpose, staving off depression.

Maintaining a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is an additional priority for Adventists. Those who combine a healthy BMI with regular physical activity and a sparing, if not entirely meatless, diet tend to enjoy lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels and reduced cardiovascular disease risk compared to their heavier counterparts.

The Adventist diet pays off handsomely. Those who consume nuts at least five times a week experience about half the risk of heart disease and gain an extra 2 years of life compared to their nut-averse counterparts.

Their general dietary approach has been linked to other health benefits, including a 70% reduction in lung cancer for those who consume two or more servings of fruit daily. Legume lovers enjoy a 30 to 40% lower risk of colon cancer, while tomato enthusiasts reduce their chances of ovarian cancer by 70%.

The age-old adage “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper” is also woven into Adventist practices. An early, light dinner helps avoid an overload of calories during inactive hours, promotes better sleep and contributes to a lower BMI.

9 lifestyle tips to reduce inflammation and protect your heart, from people in the Blue Zone of Loma Linda, California (msn.com)

Studies show that Adventist men who sip on five or six daily glasses of water also reduce their risk of a fatal heart attack by a staggering 60 to 70% compared to those who consume less.

In Loma Linda, the secrets to a prolonged and vibrant existence are no secret at all. The Seventh-day Adventist community offers a blueprint for longevity rooted in faith, healthy living, and a commitment to nurturing both body and soul. So, whether you’re an Adventist or not, these practices can guide you toward a life filled with vitality, joy and many more years to come.

Nicoya: Costa Rica “Pura Vida” lifestyle – Search Videos (bing.com)

In Central America, Costa Rica boasts one of the world’s highest life expectancies, despite modest incomes. The “Ticos,” as natives are locally known, thrive on a mix of faith, family and what’s referred to as a “life plan.”

Of particular note is the nation’s Nicoya Peninsula, an 80-mile stretch of land just south of the Nicaraguan border. While economic stability and excellent healthcare certainly contribute, there’s more to the Nicoyan secret than meets the eye.

At the heart of Nicoyan longevity is that “plan de vida” life plan — or reason to live, a driving force that nurtures a positive outlook among the elderly and keeps them active. This sense of purpose is deeply rooted in their culture, propelling them forward and instilling a profound zest for life.

It inspires optimism in elderly populations and this strong sense of purpose that results in longer-than-usual lifespans. This is part of the pura vida, or low-stress, laid-back lifestyle that the Latin American country is known for.

For some Costa Ricans, purpose and a positive outlook is an integral part of life, researchers say — and it could be helping them live longer, fuller lives.

Researchers studying the science of longevity have coined the term “plan de vida,” or “life plan,” the BBC reported, and they think it is one of the reasons why the residents of Nicoya, a 80-mile long peninsula located along the western coast of Costa Rica, regularly outlive the rest of us.

Within this rural beach community, the average age is 85 — but many residents live to be over 100 years old. In fact, residents here are three-and-a-half times more likely to live past 100 than the global average, the BBC reported.

Playa Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. – Search Videos (bing.com)

Visiting Santa Teresa

Playa Santa Teresa Costa Rica is a tiny beach village on the Nicoya Peninsula, just north of Playa Mal Pais. What this little town lacks in size, it makes up for in culture and individuality. The town is made up of surfers and artists, giving it a laid-back, pura vida vibe.

The Santa Teresa Beach is remarkable. Forbes Magazine has voted this area of Santa Teresa and nearby Mal Pais as some of the beautiful beaches of the world. The pure white sandy beaches make it not only a haven for surfers, but for artists trying to capture the stunning views on canvas. You can explore a more remote jungle void of nay crowds or go horseback riding while enjoying stunning ocean views and a dazzling sunset. A perfect trip!

Highlights

Surfing

Unlike the more developed surfing beaches like Jaco and Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa is a paradise for the solo surfer with some experience. Santa Teresa has fantastic swells all year long, making it one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing.

The semi-isolated town of Santa Teresa also lets you get aways from the city-feel and the quiet beach is less crowded than many other beaches in the country, allowing for the ultimate surfing vacation. As one of the best surfing areas in Costa Rica, novices and pros alike will be able to find suitable waves either in Santa Teresa or one of the many beaches nearby. You can also find many surf schools in Santa Teresa if you are looking to improve your skills.

Yoga

If you’re looking for the ultimate yoga vacation, look no further than Santa Teresa. The laid-back culture of the area is perfect for yogis and the smaller number of tourists guarantees a relaxed vacation.

With an abundance of yoga studios, you can find classes for all levels and types of yoga. Some examples include private classes, acro yoga, kid’s yoga, and couple’s yoga. Enjoy the ultimate yoga practice with an unbeatable scenery.

Nicoyan centenarians prioritize family above all else – Search (bing.com)

They often live with their families, who provide not only support, but also a profound sense of purpose and belonging. This close-knit family structure is a cornerstone of their longevity.

When it comes to staying hydrated, Nicoyan hard water is rich in calcium, a vital mineral that may explain their lower rates of heart disease and their strong bones, resulting in fewer hip fractures. It’s a simple, yet impactful, element of their lifestyle that contributes to their health and well-being.

One of the most potent ways to extend your years may be simpler than you think: Eat fewer calories. Nicoyans embrace this wisdom by consuming a light dinner early in the evening, aligning with the concept of caloric restriction for a longer, healthier life.

Life’s Boomerang Effect

Centenarians in Nicoya have also always known the value of hard work, deriving joy from their everyday physical chores. Their active lifestyle, which includes physical labor, keeps them physically and mentally engaged throughout their lives.

Regular sun exposure — the sun itself being an abundant perk in Costa Rica — is a Nicoyan practice that aids in the production of vitamin D, crucial for strong bones and overall health. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to numerous health issues, including osteoporosis and heart disease. The Nicoyans’ smart sun habits, about 15 minutes on the arms and legs, help ensure they maintain adequate vitamin D levels.

San Diego Surfer Lack Vitamin D Time out in the Sun Study – Search (bing.com)

Midday, especially during summer, is the best time to get sunlight. At noon, the sun is at its highest point, and its UVB rays are most intense. That means you need less time in the sun to make sufficient vitamin D. Many studies also show that the body is most efficient at making vitamin D at noon.

Mid day sun and vitamin D – Search (bing.com)

The midday sun is indeed the best time to get sunlight for vitamin D production. This is when the sun’s UVB rays are the strongest, which allows the skin to produce vitamin D more efficiently. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is the optimal window for sun exposure to boost vitamin D levels¹ ² ³.

A good way to test if the sun is about 50 degrees above the horizon, or higher, is that your shadow should be slightly shorter than you are tall. If the shadow cast by your body is the same length, or longer, than your height you will not produce Vitamin D–even while your skin is exposed to direct sunlight. Vitamin D from Sunlight: How To Know If Your Sun Exposure Is Producing Vitamin D – Sunsafe Rx

Nicoyans additionally maintain a strong connection to their indigenous Chorotega roots and their traditions. This cultural bond shields them from the burdens of stress, contributing to their overall well-being. Their traditional diet, anchored by fortified maize and beans, may well be the ultimate recipe for longevity.

Ikaria: A Greek island of immortality – Search Videos (bing.com)

The Greek island of Ikaria offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, social connectivity and dietary wisdom. Residents navigate mountainous terrain with ease, fostering robust physical health, while their close-knit communities promote emotional well-being.

Today, Ikarians stand almost entirely immune to dementia and the chronic diseases that plague many Americans. Remarkably, one in three of these islanders reaches their 90s. It’s a phenomenon that demands exploration, and it turns out the recipe for their long and healthy lives is a blend of geography, culture, diet, lifestyle and outlook.

For starters, the long-revered Mediterranean diet, featuring abundant olive oil, vegetables and fruits, adds to their vitality — as does their practice of regular fasting, rooted in Greek Orthodox Christianity. An afternoon siesta further reduces stress hormones and guards against heart disease.

Mediterranean Diet – is a diet inspired by the eating habits and traditional food typical of southern Spain, southern Italy, and Crete, and formulated in the early 1960s. It is distinct from Mediterranean cuisine, which covers the actual cuisines of the Mediterranean countries, and from the Atlantic diet of northwestern Spain and Portugal. While inspired by a specific time and place, the “Mediterranean diet” was later refined based on the results of multiple scientific studies.

Ikaria, Greece, is one of the world’s Blue Zones where people live longer than average.

Residents nap often, drink herbal tea, and value family. (msn.com)

Drone View Of Ikaria Island In Greece Panoramic aerial view (below) of the traditional picturesque Armenistis village as seen from a drone, one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Greek island of Ikaria located in the Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean Ikaria Island is famous for the longevity and the alternative lifestyle closer to nature.

Panoramic aerial view of the traditional picturesque Armenistis village as seen from a drone. – Search Videos (bing.com)

One of the most popular holiday destinations on the Greek island of Ikaria located in the Aegean Sea.

Armenistis is a little fishing village on a hill, center of the local economy of Icaria, with a sandy beach with transparent crystal clear water, hotel, rooms to let, supermarket, local shops, restaurant, taverns, bar and other facilities. A popular travel destination for summer holidays. Ikaria Island, Greece in November 2022.

Armenistis, Ikaria Island Greece. – Search (bing.com)

The Mediterranean Ikaria Island is famous for the longevity and the alternative lifestyle closer to nature. NurPhoto via Getty Images – Search Videos (bing.com)

That said, regular nappers have up to a 35% lower risk of heart disease-related mortality. The benefits may stem from lowered stress hormones or a rejuvenated heart.

The longest-lived Ikarians often come from the island’s highlands, where physical activity is a natural part of daily life. They tend gardens, walk to neighbors’ houses and do their own yard work. The lesson here is to engineer more mindless movement into our daily routines.

Ikarians also enjoy herbal teas with family and friends, and these brews pack an antioxidant punch. Wild rosemary, sage and oregano teas also act as diuretics, helping regulate blood pressure by removing excess sodium and water from the body.

Fierce Greek Orthodox Christians, Ikarians observe nearly half the year as a period of fasting. Caloric restriction, a form of fasting those trims about 30% of daily calories, is the only proven method to slow the aging process in mammals.

Christian fasting is a voluntary corporal abstinence, the goal of which is to revive the spiritual life of the believer. Abstinence from food is at the base of fasting rather than exhaustion of the body, so those who fast have to assess their abilities, preparation and willingness to do so. If we try to count the days of fasting in a year, we will find out that they number over 200.

During Lent, which is the longest fasting that lasts until Easter, it would be appropriate to recall some features that make fasting part not only of Christianity but also of our cultural traditions. Last, but not least, people who are not religious observe the fast, their aim being to relieve the body in search of health effects. In times when our food is “artificial” and our lifestyle is more sedentary, fasting finds its place in the life of modern man.

Orthodox Christians fast over 200 days a year | grreporter.info- News from Greece.

People drinking their antioxidant rich coffee on Ikaria island. – Search (bing.com)

Inside the ‘Blue Zones’ where people live the longest (nypost.com)

The top 5 places in the world where people live the longest, often surpassing 100 years, are known as “Blue Zones.” These regions are distinguished by their residents’ remarkable longevity and health. Here’s a brief overview of each:

Sardinia, Italy: Known for its high concentration of male centenarians, Sardinia’s longevity is attributed to a plant-based diet, daily physical activity, and strong family bonds. A genetic variant linked to extreme longevity, the M26 marker, is also prevalent here ¹.
Okinawa, Japan: Okinawa boasts the longest-living women in the world. The culture emphasizes strong social support networks known as “moai,” which help reduce stress and promote healthy behaviors ¹.
Nicoya, Costa Rica: Nicoyans follow a traditional diet rich in beans, squash, corn, and tropical fruits. They also have a strong sense of purpose, known as “plan de vida,” contributing to their mental and spiritual fulfillment ¹.
Loma Linda, California, U.S.A.: This Blue Zone is unique to the United States and is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who live significantly longer than the average American, thanks to their healthy lifestyle and shared values ¹.
Ikaria, Greece: Ikarians enjoy a Mediterranean diet and benefit from a strong community spirit. They often live into their 90s, free of dementia and chronic diseases, with a third of the population living past 90 ¹.

These Blue Zones share common lifestyle factors such as a plant-based diet, active living, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose, all of which contribute to their extraordinary longevity¹ ² ³ ⁴.

The magical island of Santorini, Greece (msn.com)

In these countries, people live substantially longer than the worldwide average – and each place has its own secret source of vitality.

Explorers throughout history have searched for the legendary fountain of youth.

And while the elusive fountain has yet to be found, certain places across the world have emerged as centres where people live substantially longer than the worldwide average (around 71 years), and each has its own secret source of vitality.

We talked to residents in some of the countries where people live the longest, as ranked by the 2017 World Happiness Report, to uncover the reasons why these places seem to nurture longevity.

These are several regions in the world where people appear to live longer and healthier lives.

These places, called Blue Zones, include parts of California, Japan, Greece, Costa Rica and Italy.

These regions share several features including healthy diets, natural movement and a sense of community.

Countries where people live the longest (bbc.com)

Living Amongst the Monks ar the Theoktisti Monastery, Ikaria island.

The Monastery of Osias Theoktisti is located in Pigi village, near Kampos, on the north side of the island. It is a monastery dedicated to the Blessed Theoktiste from Molyvos, Lesvos, who according to tradition, is connected to Paros and Ikaria.

It is not known exactly, when the monastery was built, but an inscription on it, indicates that the monastery operated in 1688, when its hagiography took place. Today, no monks live in the monastery.

From an architectural standpoint, the monastery consists of: the Catholic (i.e. the main temple where all the monks were gathered), fifteen cells that work as hostels and various auxiliary spaces. The Catholic architectural belongs to the type of aisled, barrel-vaulted basilica and has several murals.These murals refer to Cretan painting. Tradition says, that the painter Pantelis Hatzis, reader from Chios and one assistant of him, took the painting up to the monastery.

A little further from the main temple, you can visit the Chapel of Theoskepasti, formed in an impressive way, inside a cave, which on top is covered with a rock. Perhaps one of the most impressive chapels in the world! According to local tradition, the inhabitants carried the remains of Osias Theoktistis from the Catholic sanctuary, inside the cave and formed the area as a chapel. Inside the cave old carved iconostasis is preserved, dating from around 1894. Source: Theoktisti Monastery, Ikaria island.

5 Blue Zones Where People Live the Longest, Healthiest Lives | TIME

Ikarians additionally place great emphasis on fostering social connections, which have been linked to overall health and longevity.

Instead of cow’s milk, Ikarians opt for grass-fed goat’s milk. Rich in potassium and the stress-relieving hormone tryptophan, it’s also hypoallergenic and is often tolerated by those who are lactose intolerant.

Ikaria, the island where age really is just a number, reveals a wealth of wisdom that can transform our lives. With a focus on simplicity, community and a connection to nature, the people of Ikaria have unlocked the secrets to a long and joyful existence.

In a world where the quest for longevity has never been more tantalizing, the Blue Zones beckon as beacons of hope. These remarkable enclaves of vitality remind us that, perhaps, the secret to a long and healthy life lies not in the elixirs of youth but in the tapestry of community, purpose and natural living.

BONUS: The longevity secrets of Singapore, the 6th blue zone city where people are living the longest, happiest lives (msn.com)

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