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Where in
the world are the longest-lived people? Though we in the U.S. tend to
think we own good health and longevity, the truth might surprise you –
the small, remote island of Okinawa, Japan, is where you’ll find the
world’s largest population of healthy older adults. In fact, of the five
locales scientists are studying for their longevity secrets, three are
islands, one is a peninsula and one is simply a spiritual oasis.
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1. Okinawa, Japan
In Okinawa – an archipelago 360 miles off the coast of Japan – you’ll
find the world’s highest prevalence of proven centenarians: 740 out of a
population of 1.3 million. Okinawan seniors not only have the highest
life expectancy in the world, but also the highest health expectancy:
they remain vigorous and healthy into old age, suffering relatively few
age-related ailments.
Secrets of Longevity: Widespread gardening
provides an opportunity for exercise, nutritious food and sunlight, and
Okinawans follow an old adage that says “eat until you are 80% full”
instead of gorging. They also have a sense of purpose, a positive
outlook on life and close social support groups. |
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2. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an island 120 miles off the coast of Italy where the men –
mostly farmers and shepherds – are particularly long-lived. In fact,
just one town of 1,700 people, Ovodda, boasts five centenarians.
Secrets of Longevity: Although part of the
reason for Sardinia’s longevity may be genetic, they also have the
opportunity to follow that healthy Mediterranean diet, as well as
consuming lots of goats’ cheese and milk. They walk a lot, but they also
take time for leisure, and maintain a positive attitude and sense of
humor about life. |
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3. Loma Linda, California
East of Los Angeles, Loma Linda is a community that includes about 9,000
Seventh-Day Adventists – a religious group that is significantly
longer-lived than the average American. Adventist culture is focused on
healthful habits such as vegetarianism, and warns against alcohol and
smoking.
Secrets of Longevity: Besides the healthful
habits integral to their belief system, Adventists drink plenty of
water, eat lots of nuts, exercise regularly and tend to maintain a
healthy weight. They nurture emotional and spiritual health, value their
family relationships, and prize volunteering. |
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4. Nicoya, Costa Rica
The remote Nicoya peninsula has an inland community in which middle-age
mortality is surprisingly low: a man at age 60 has about twice the
chance of reaching age 90 than a man living in the U.S. They also have
the lowest rates of cancer in Costa Rica.
Secrets of Longevity: Their plan de vida or
sense of purpose in life encourages a lifestyle that is physically
active, with plenty of time outdoors as well as time spent on family and
spirituality. They sleep 8 hours and their diet includes not only
nutrient-rich foods like beans, corn and rice, but also water that’s
naturally high in calcium and magnesium. |
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5. Ikaria, Greece
Ikaria is a Greek island 35 miles off the coast of Turkey. Like Nicoya,
they’ve got a lot of nonagenarians: people there are three times more
likely to reach 90 than Americans are. According to the Blue Zones
website, “Chronic diseases are a rarity in Ikaria. People living in this
region have 20% less cancer, half the rate of cardiovascular disease and
almost no dementia!”
Secrets of Longevity: Boasting a mineral
hot springs, Ikaria has been a health destination for centuries. Its
residents stay active through walking, farming and fishing, but they
also make sure to take time out to nap and socialize. In addition to
their Mediterranean diet, they eat a lot of wild greens and drink an
herbal tea that’s full of nutrients. Their community lifestyle also
encourages good health habits and regular social engagement.
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