4 Cities Where People Live The Longest Longevity 4 Cities Where People Live The Longest

Nearly a century ago, the average lifespan across the world was a mere 31 years old. Today, people are living longer, healthier lives, men and women are living past 80 years old. Advancements in health-care, the overall decline of tobacco use and the rise of safer living conditions have all helped us collectively live longer. Thanks to research by Dan Buettner and National Geographic, we know of several places in the world where people are living longer, healthier lives. In these very special places, often referred to as Blue Zones, people enjoy nearly two more decades on earth than the rest of us. What’s more, we know why these communities are thriving and it has less to do with genes and more to do with lifestyle, which is great news.

Okinawa Japanese This southern Japanese island is home to the largest population of centenarians in the world with the longest-lived women and the longest disability-free life expectancy in the world. What’s even more fascinating is that Okinawans actually age more slowly than the rest of us due to higher level of sex hormones. For example, a 70-year-old man may actually have the bones and hormones of a spry 50 year old. Elderly Okinawans have among the lowest death rates in the world from common diseases -- a fact attributed to a traditional Japanese diet, with only 25% of its sugar and 75% of its grain intake. In recent years, though, younger Okinawans’ move toward fattier foods (Spam is now sometimes added to stir-fries) has led to lower life expectancy Average Life Span: 5 times as many Okinawans live to be 100 as their compatriots elsewhere in Japan. Typical Diet: Lots of fish, soy and legumes

Okinawa Japanese Okinawans rely on a low-calorie plant-based diet and consume more tofu and soy compared to any other population, which researchers have found contributes to a low cancer rate and fewer menopause-related complications. However, the most interesting dietary habit the Okinawans practice is hara hachi bu, that encourages people to eat only until they are 80 percent full. Research by the University of Wisconsin-Madison has shown that practicing a reduced calorie diet actually promotes longevity and reduces the prevalence of age- related disease, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. https://youtu.be/aa4OY7h_cL4

Ikaria Greek Island Named the “island where people forget to die,” Ikaria is conclusive of youth and home to centenarians who enjoy long lives without fear of dementia and chronic age-related diseases. Their Mediterranean-mountain lifestyle has created an almost perfect ecosystem that allows Ikarians to live well into their 90s. They eat mostly fruits, vegetables, beans and olive oil. They are often up until the wee hours of the morning laughing and playing dominoes, almost every part of the Ikarians’ day improves their longevity. The 10,000 residents of this island in Greece typically live well into their 90s. Laid-back, daily socializing may be one reason. As one resident told Buettner: “When you invite someone to lunch, they might come at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. We simply don’t care about the clock here.”  Average Life Span: 1 in 3 residents lives into their 90s Typical Diet: Vegetables from the garden, legumes, greens and lots of olive oil

Ikaria Greek Island But it’s also what they don’t do that contributes to their overall health. Although they travel through hills and valleys to maintain their busy social lives, Ikarians also take time to nap each day, which helps reduce their risk of heart disease by 35 percent. Like the Okinawans, Ikarians also practice calorie restriction and even fast for nearly half the year thanks to their Greek Orthodox religion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RyD-kC632s

Loma Linda California The Seventh-day Adventists in the Southern California town of Loma Linda don’t smoke, drink alcohol or consume caffeine. The trade off for these vices is enjoying a long life – eight to ten years longer than the average American. Like the people of Okinawa, some (but not all) Seventh-day Adventists of Loma Linda consume a mostly vegetarian diet. Yet all members of this community experience a longer than average lifespan. Why? Researchers believe they have their religion and faith to thank for those extra years. With a 24-hour mandatory Sabbath once a week, people have a chance to take a break from the stress of daily life, which not only gives people a moment to take a collective breath but also allows them to strengthen ties within their church. Loma Linda, CA, is home to America’s longest living population -- and some say it’s a matter of faith: Many of the town’s 23,000 residents are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, a religion whose members typically live 4 to 7 years longer (with more health and happiness) than the rest of the country. Average Life Span: Well into the 80s Typical Diet: Vegetarianism is a popular practice among 7th Day Adventists; most restaurants in town accommodate with a vegetarian menu option.

Loma Linda California Researchers believe this spiritual connection to their religion and community creates an impact in churchgoers’ physical health. In fact, people who go to church regularly tend to live longer and have significantly lower levels of stress hormones, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhzDlR2oCrA

Nicoya Costa Rica This 80-mile peninsula off the coast of Costa Rica is a veritable hot spot for longevity. Not only do Nicoyans live longer than their fellow Costa Ricans, but they’re also healthier and less-stressed overall, due in part to plan de vida -– having a sense of purpose in life through strong community and familial ties. Multigenerational families are common in Nicoya, which helps to give centenarians a sense of purpose and belonging. The 75,000 Nicoyans who call this peninsula home have more than 4 times the chance of making it to 90 than a 60-year-old in America. Maybe it’s because of the area’s relative calm -- it’s home to some of the country’s most isolated and beautiful beaches. Average Life Span: Well into the 90s Typical Diet: Meso-American diet includes beans, squash and corn tortilla; also, the area’s calcium- and magnesium-rich water, which strengthens bones and relaxes arteries, is an added benefit.

Nicoya Costa Rica In fact, having direction and leading a purposeful life can actually help you live longer, according to research published in the Journal Psychological Science. Nicoyans also have a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, are leaner, taller and suffer fewer disabilities than other Costa Ricans, which may be due in part to eating fewer calories at night and drinking hard water –- Nicoyan water has the highest concentration of calcium in Costa Rica. Like the people of Okinawa, Nicoyans also age slower than the rest of the population due to higher levels of the sex hormone DHE. https://youtu.be/I5ZoV85spB0

Conclusion Okinawa, Japan: Eat more vegetables Ikaria, Greece: Be well-rounded Loma Linda, California: Find faith Nicoya, Costa Rica: Have purpose (and hard water)