Age researchers and scientists have identified five regions on our planet where people live the longest and healthiest lives in percentage terms, the so-called “Blue Zones”.

In Ikaria, Sardinia and Costa Rica, for example, the residents have the highest life expectancy in the world.

Dan Buettner, founder of “Blue Zones”, New York Times bestselling author, internationally recognized researcher and travel documentary producer, has now also conducted research in Ikaria in collaboration with “National Geographic”. His books about longevity and the key to happiness:

The facts:

In Ikaria people have better opportunities than elsewhere

  • to reach an age over 90
  • less cancer
  • fewer heart attacks
  • And hardly any dementia
    • The Icariotes eat a variation of the Mediterranean diet (lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish). They collect a lot of wild vegetables and wild herbs. The researchers noted more than 70 different edible wild herbs, many of which exceeded the antioxidant content of green tea or red wine by tenfold. In addition, various herbal tea blends are systematically drunk in the morning and evening, which gently lower blood pressure over time.
    • The regular midday siesta is very important in Ikaria, especially for older people. Researchers found that those who took a short nap (half an hour) at least five times a week had 35% fewer heart attacks and heart disease. It is known that the chemical composition of the blood changes during rest, the heart rate drops and stress hormones are reduced to a minimum. It’s also good for the brain to take a short break and slow down…
    • The older Ikariotes don’t run marathons or visit weight rooms. But physical activity is simply an inseparable part of their lives. The island is very hilly. So every time you go to work on the farms or in the village or the church, you do it on foot.
    • What does all “Blue Zones” have in common and, in a nutshell, what is the most important prerequisite for a long, healthy and fulfilling life? The key to happiness!
    • There are six factors that I would like to illuminate from Ikaria’s perspective and, in bold, some suggestions for our “modern” everyday life:
  1. Natural movement

    Moving naturally is the secret to longevity. Centenarians today have spent their entire lives moving for hours while doing their daily work, and they have also walked everywhere and everywhere. Just think of the shepherd in the mountains, the fisherman or the housewife in the vegetable garden. Natural movement in a natural environment is health for body and soul. That’s why we’re not talking about sports in sports and fitness centers… Dancing shouldn’t be underestimated either, it’s a completely natural way to move together and is still an important part of everyday life in Ikaria. Several times a month, for every occasion, the island’s traditional dances are danced together by all generations to local music. In Ikaria the word senior dance is not known. All dances are dances of the generations and have always been and still are danced together by all generations. You often see three, sometimes even four generations united in the same dance.

  2. Siesta – afternoon nap

    Even people in the “Blue Zones” experience stress. Constant stress makes you sick. That’s why it’s important to consciously build in small breaks. And if it’s only 10 minutes: the whole machine shuts down, calms down, relaxes, reduces stress

  1. A glass of wine

    Moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers. The trick is like with everything: the measure. 1-2 glasses of wine daily, preferably with friends and not on an empty stomach, but with a little something to eat: meze. (And no! It’s no use trying to make up for all the glasses you saved from during the week on the weekend!)

  2. Balanced and healthy diet

    We all know it’s true: you are what you eat! We are all familiar with healthy eating, including the Mediterranean diet. But what many people don’t know, but almost more important, is: how do I eat, when and with whom!! Eating in Ikaria and in all “Blue Zones” is an interactive, social event. You don’t eat to fill your stomach, you eat together, communicate and enjoy. Good food, a glass of wine, singing and dancing are inseparable take up a large part of everyday social life in Ikaria…

  3. Belonging

    Is perhaps the most important factor of longevity. Surround yourself with like-minded, supportive, helpful, uplifting people. Family is very important, but unpaid work for the village community, mutual support in times of crisis, solidarity and an intact social network also protect everyone from isolation and loneliness.

  4. Life perspective

    What do I wake up for in the morning…? What do I give all my strength, energy and joy of life for…? Be involved in the family and community well into old age, feel useful, take on tasks, be indispensable (e.g. for looking after grandchildren, etc.) find meaning and a perspective in life well into old age.

All of these factors shape the people of Ikaria and still give them a long, healthy and fulfilling life today. They are an expression of connection, togetherness and shared joy of life!

See also:

Blue Zones www.bluezones.com

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