Exploring the Blue Zones: Locations for Longevity

It all comes down to Blue Zones.

Getting to live many long, healthy years is certainly desirable. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a few more decades with their family, some precious extra time with friends, or traveling the globe, checking off a few more spots in their golden years?

While much of it boils down to genetics, getting to live into your 80s, 90s, and maybe even making it to the century mark is becoming more common. In fact, the United Nations expects the number of centenarians to grow eightfold by 2050. One way to know if you’ve got a higher chance of making it to 100? Just check your zip code to see if you live in a Blue Zone.

First coined by researcher Dan Buettner, Blue Zones are areas that are home to some of the oldest – and healthiest – people in the world. According to Buettner, there are five places where you’re more likely to find people in their 80s, 90s, and surpassing the 100 mark with ease. Here’s a little about each and why they may hold the real secret to living as long as possible.

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia was the first Blue Zone Buettner and his team identified back in 2004. According to the Blue Zones website, researchers found a “rare genetic quirk” carried by many of its inhabitants, which it linked to the population’s hearty longevity. However, it’s not just genetics that make the destination’s residents unique. People living in Sardinia continue to have an active lifestyle, often hunting, fishing, and harvesting their food locally. Moreover, their diet consists of whole-grain bread, beans, garden vegetables, fruits, and mastic oil, all of which are beneficial for heart health. Also important, “They laugh and drink wine together.”

Okinawa, Japan

According to Blue Zones, the inhabitants of Okinawa enjoy extremely low rates of cancer, heart disease, and dementia compared to Americans. Their longevity can also be attributed to strong social ties, along with a deep sense of purpose. “Older Okinawans can readily articulate the reason they get up in the morning,” the site reports. This sense of purpose imbues their daily lives, giving them roles of responsibility and feelings of being needed well into their 100s. Furthermore, the people here favor a predominantly plant-based diet.

Nicoya, Costa Rica

Costa Ricans embrace the saying “pura vida,” meaning “pure life.” This zest for living happily each day has rewarded the people of Costa Rica with extra healthy years. Once again, it boils down to strong familial bonds, a daily sense of purpose, and well-balanced diets. “Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life,” Blue Zones notes. Nicoyans typically eat a light dinner early in the evening and follow traditional Mesoamerican diets centered on the ‘three sisters’ of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans.

Ikaria, Greece

The Greek island of Ikaria is home to fewer than 10,000 people who live remarkably healthy lives. According to Blue Zones, they are nearly devoid of dementia and chronic diseases. Moreover, one in three residents lives into their 90s. This longevity is attributed to their social-centric culture, high levels of physical activity, and a balanced diet, complemented by their enjoyment of good red wine. “They indulge in strong red wine, late-night domino games, and a relaxed rhythm of life that disregards clocks. Clean air, warm breezes, and rugged terrain keep them active outdoors,” the Blue Zones website states.

Loma Linda, California

While Southern California offers a generally pleasant environment for everyone, the Seventh-day Adventists living in Loma Linda seem to enjoy even better health. In fact, according to Blue Zones, they live approximately a decade longer than the average person. This longevity might be due to their strict vegetarian diets, commitment to exercise, and intrinsic motivation to help others. “Like many faiths, the Seventh-day Adventist Church encourages and provides opportunities for its members to volunteer,” Blue Zones describes, noting that they stay active and “find purpose, staving off depression by focusing on helping others.”

Explore what you can learn from the community living in the Blue Zones, so you can adopt a healthier way of life and perhaps extend your years in the process here.