Places in the world where people live long, happy, healthy lives

Of these places, or so called blue zones scientists are studying for their longevity secrets, three are islands, one is a peninsula and one is a religious community, reports Sandton Chronicle.

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Here are the top five destinations where happy, healthy people reside.

1. Okinawa, Japan

The most proven centenarians live in Okinawa, a group of islands 580km off the coast of Japan. Inhabitants of the Okinawa islands not only live the longest in the world, but are also the healthiest. They grow old with relatively few age-related ailments.

2. Sardinia, Italy

Ovodda in Sardinia.

Sardinia is an island 194km off the coast of Italy. The men, mostly farmers and shepherds, often live to more than 100. The town of Ovodda, with only 1 700 people, boasts five centenarians.

3. Loma Linda, California

Loma Linda University. Image: Loma Linda University website

The community of Loma Linda, east of Los Angeles, is made up of about 9 000 Seventh Day Adventists. Adventist culture is focused on healthy habits, including vegetarianism. They frown on drinking alcohol and smoking, and it is this attitude towards sobriety that allows them to lead longer, healthier lives.

4. Nicoya, Costa Rica

Nicoya peninsula. Image: Twitter/@2TravelDads

Nicoya has a community where men often reach the age of 90. They also have the lowest cancer rates in Costa Rica. There routines include eight hours of sleep, and their diet consists of nutrient-rich foods such as beans, corn and rice. Their water is naturally high in calcium and magnesium.

5. Ikaria, Greece

A Greek taverna on the beach of Ikaria.

Ikaria is a Greek island 56km off the coast of Turkey. Like Nicoya, people there easily live to 90 and older. Chronic diseases are a rarity and inhabitants have almost no dementia. Boasting mineral hot springs, Ikaria has been a health destination for centuries. A distinct version of the Mediterranean diet is followed on this island. It emphasises olive oil, vegetables, beans, fruit, moderate amounts of alcohol and low quantities of meat and dairy products.

What these places have in common

• An environment that encourages a healthy diet and exercise
• Healthy relationships and psychological wellbeing
• People who share the same lifestyle and outlook on life
• People who garden and work the land
• Easily accessible public health systems
• Older people are valued in their families and in the broader community
• Limited or no consumption of refined sugar
• Limited or no consumption of processed foods

Source: Blue Zones website

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