What do you think is the secret to a long life? For hints, keep scrolling to check out some of these places from around the world, where people live the longest.
While much of the secret lies in genetics, getting to step into your 90s and even touching the century mark is slowly getting more common. In addition, the United Nations is anticipating that the number of centenarians is likely to grow eightfold by the year 2050. So how should you find out if you have a higher chance of turning 100? Simply check out your zip code to find out if you live in a Blue Zone (areas with some of the healthiest and oldest people in the world).
Okinawa, Japan
The residents of Okinawa have very low rates of heart disease, dementia, and cancer compared to the other people in the world. Their longevity is often attributed to a deep sense of purpose and compelling social ties. The purpose-driven lives of the older people offer them vivid roles of responsibility and feelings of being valued and needed even in their 100s. The residents mostly favor a plant-based diet.
Ikaria, Greece
Ikaria is a Greek Island and home to less than 10,000 people, but without a doubt, they are a healthy group of people. According to reports, they are almost entirely free of chronic diseases and dementia. Furthermore, one in three people in Ikaria lives up to their 90s, and much of this is possible for their diet, social-centric culture, and activity.
Nicoya, Costa Rica
In this region of Costa Rica, the residents enjoy the lowest rate of middle-age mortality in the world, and are ranked as the place with the second-highest concentration of male centenarians. Their secret to longevity partly lies in their deep social networks, strong faith in communities, and low-intensity physical activity.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia, just like Okinawa, is known for being home to the highest number of centenarians in the world. Located 120 miles off the coast of Italy, the island with rugged terrain is incredible for burning calories.
Loma Linda, California
The community of the Seventh-day Adventists residing in Loma Linda live for about ten more healthy years than the average American. It is partly possible because of their biblical diet of fruits, grains, vegetables, and nuts.
Find out if you can learn something more from the residents of the Blue Zones to adopt a healthier lifestyle and perhaps offer some more years to yourself in the process.
