American writer Dan Buettner is the founder of the Blue Zones project, which seeks to understand and explain where people live the longest and healthiest lives. With the help of the National Geographic Society, he has spent more than a decade identifying the places with the highest proportion of centenarians and the lowest rates of heart disease, obesity, cancer, and diabetes.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is Italy's second-largest island, after Sicily. It has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. People here often live into their 90s, with men and women living there equally - unlike the world's lower life expectancy for men.
Dietary research shows that islanders eat a lot of wholegrain bread, beans, vegetables, fruit and frankincense oil. Sardinians traditionally eat grass-fed sheep's cheese, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and drink a glass or two of red wine daily. Meat is only eaten on weekends and special occasions.
Scientists point out that family life and social activities are a factor that helps people in Sardinia live longer. Because when all family members are cared for, the rate of depression, stress and suicide will be significantly lower. Elderly people in Sardinia do not live in nursing homes but are cared for by relatives and neighbors.
In Sardinia, the elderly are not seen as a burden, but are respected for their ability to pass on knowledge and traditional values to the next generation, said Maria Chiara Fastame, a psychologist at the University of Cagliari.
Okinawa, Japan
Located in the south of Japan, the Okinawa archipelago is known as the land of "immortals". Residents here have the highest rate of people over 100 years old in the world and suffer from low rates of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, cancer and diabetes. In Okinawa, for every 100,000 people, there are 68 people who live over 100 years old. Therefore, scientists have spent decades discovering the secret of longevity in this land.
The islanders' diet mainly consists of green vegetables, sweet potatoes, soybeans, bitter melon, the rest is lean meat, seafood, fruits and tea. A basic meal usually includes miso soup, stir-fried vegetables, seaweed and jasmine tea. Most of the centenarians work in the garden to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables, help the body exercise and reduce stress. In particular, sunbathing every day helps the people here have stronger bones and bodies.
In addition, people here also maintain the tradition of friendship circles from childhood to old age. They meet daily or several times a week to chat, share advice and even support money when needed. Research shows that friends make people happier and healthier.
Ikaria, Greece
This beautiful Greek island is known as one of the healthiest places in the world. According to scientific studies, the islanders have low rates of cancer, heart disease, depression, and dementia. Even elderly couples maintain a good sex life and physical activity into their 90s.
The Ikari people’s longevity is attributed to a combination of geography, culture, and diet. Those who live the longest tend to live in the island’s highlands. They exercise by gardening or walking to and from their neighbors’ homes. Their daily diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and olives. They also enjoy herbal teas made from sage and rosemary with family and friends, which have diuretic properties and help control blood pressure.
Ikari people also have the habit of napping, which helps reduce stress hormones and protect heart function. Good family and social relationships also help increase longevity.
Loma Linda, USA
Loma Linda is a city nestled in the San Bernardino Valley, California. According to research, people living here live 8-10 years longer than the average American. Unlike the rest of the Blue Zones, people living here live longer because of their religion, Seventh-day Adventism.
Followers of this religion do not drink alcohol or caffeine. Instead, they drink tomato juice or decaffeinated Roman coffee. Drinking 6-7 glasses of water a day helps people reduce the risk of heart attack by 60-70%.
They also follow the "breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper" regime to reduce excess calories and help sleep better. Many maintain a vegan diet with fruits and whole grains. For meat eaters, meat is just a side dish.
The wedding of a 93 year old man
People in the city often spend time with their community. They are happy to share hobbies and habits with each other. Exercise and sports such as walking every day also help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Finally, despite working every day, they still spend time from Friday evening to Saturday with their families. Members can go on picnics together, say no to the Internet, TV and work.
