Most of us can do better than “three score years and ten” these days, but there’s still a horribly short gap between retirement and the end of a healthy life. Except in certain parts of the world. So what are they doing right and what can we do to join them?
In the UK, the average life expectancy is 81.45 years, the US 78.6. Globally, it’s 73.3. However, in certain regions, people are living much longer than this. These regions are known as “Blue Zones” – a term coined by explorer and journalist Dan Buettner to describe five places across the world where people commonly live beyond the age of 80 and well into their 100s.
Where are the Blue Zones?
The five original regions with the healthiest and oldest populations are Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Loma Linda in California, Nicoya in Costa Rica and Okinawa in Japan. However, there may well be other unidentified Blue Zones in the world.
Sardinia, Italy
In 2004, Buettner and his team travelled to a group of villages on the island of Sardinia to investigate the M26 marker – a genetic variant linked to extreme longevity. As part of their research, they identified the area as the first Blue Zone, finding that the M26 marker combined with a healthy lifestyle influence life longevity.
Ikaria, Greece
The tiny island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea is home to an isolated community where one in three residents reach their 90s, and dementia and other chronic diseases are rare. It is thought that people live longer in Ikaria because the rugged terrain keeps them active and they enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
Evdilos village on Ikaria Island in Greece
Loma Linda, California
This part of America bucks the trend, but mainly because of one factor. Located in southern California, Loma Linda is a city with one of the largest communities of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) in the world. The SDA place great emphasis on health and believe the key to wellness ‘lies in a life of balance and temperance’ (Adventist.org). By avoiding alcohol and cigarettes and eating a largely plant-based diet, they typically live around a decade longer than most Americans.
Nicoya, Costa Rica
On northern Costa Rica’s 80-mile peninsula, older people are so well cared for by their loved ones that many live past 90 years. Most centenarians live with their children and grandchildren, who provide them with a sense of belonging as well as physical and mental support.
Okinawa, Japan
Once dubbed the “land of immortals”, Japan’s southern islands have long been associated with old age. The inhabitants of these islands are dedicated to their loved ones and cultivating lifelong relationships gives them a strong sense of purpose. Okinawans typically are less likely to suffer from cancer, heart disease and dementia than people living elsewhere.
How living abroad can help you live longer
According to Buettner’s study, there are several common reasons for longevity in Blue Zones: reduced stress; increased physical activity; a healthier diet; and strong social connections. But to live a longer life, you don’t necessarily need to move to these areas, as many other places outside the UK can provide the same benefits.
Reduced stress levels
Studies show that stress is one of the main causes of a shortened lifespan. In Blue Zones, like Sardinia and Loma Lima, stress is reduced with regular naps and breaks from daily life. Siestas are common across the Mediterranean in countries like Spain, Greece and Italy, as well as the Philippines and most of Latin America.
Blue-Zone residents spend a fair amount of time outside too, which has been proven to reduce stress levels. Sunlight also increases vitamin D levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. So, moving to a place with a sunnier climate can make you feel happier and help you live longer.
Increased physical activity
Keeping fit and healthy is one of the main factors that contribute to longevity. Blue Zone regions tend to have a rugged terrain, which means residents have no choice but to remain active to be able to get from A to B. Even in Okinawa – where the topography is flat – people are generally fit, as they sit on mats to eat, which means they are up and down off the floor multiple times a day.
In the UK, we are very connected in terms of transport links, meaning we heavily rely on public transport to get around. However, many Brits move abroad to take a step back, preferring countryside living to busy towns and cities. In remote areas of France or Portugal, getting around on foot (or bike) is often the only option.
If you are retiring abroad, you will likely have more time for mindless exercise, like gardening – which is another reason why Blue-Zone residents live so much longer. If you do take up gardening, you could consider growing your own vegetables and herbs with medicinal qualities like turmeric and ginger, which can help protect you against illness.
Walks along the beach
A healthier diet
It is thought that a Mediterranean diet is one of the reasons why people live longer in Sardinia and Ikaria. A diet of fish, whole grains, beans, nuts, olive oil, plenty of fruits and vegetables, limited amounts of meat and low-fat dairy products is eaten all over Italy and Greece, as well as other European countries like France, Spain, Cyprus and Malta. Similarly, Okinawans eat a mostly plant-based diet, saving meat for special occasions.
Sardinians also drink wine in moderation, which could be another reason for longevity. Drinking a glass or two of wine a day is the norm in top wine-producing countries like France, the US and Australia – but don’t overdo it, as too much alcohol intake can have the opposite effect.
Swapping cow’s milk for goat’s milk (which is readily available in many European countries) is also thought to be better for your health, as it can help protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Strong social connections
All five of Buettner’s “Blue Zones” recognise the importance of family values and residents there make time for loved ones. Spending time with family and friends can help improve your mental health, as it is linked to lower rates of depression, stress and suicide.
Relocating to a different country can be stressful as you’ll likely be moving away from loved ones, but advanced video-calling technology means it’s much easier to remain connected from a distance. You might even find you have more time to chat than you did when you were working in the UK. Plus, living in a sunny country can mean more visitors – not many people can resist a cheap holiday!
Is overseas living for you?
Living a longer life doesn’t have to mean relocating to a Blue Zone. There are many other places you can move to that offer the same benefits as these regions.
If you’re considering moving abroad, why not take a look at some of our property listings in France, Spain, Italy or Greece? Doing so may well be the first step towards living a longer life.
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