One in three people on the island of Ikaria in Greece lives to be 90 (Image: George Pachantouris via Getty Images)
A secluded Greek island with crystal-clear blue waters, natural thermal spas – and widely believed to be home to one of the longest-lived populations on the planet.
The 99-square-mile island of Ikaria claims to have more non-aged people than any other place on Earth.
Studies show that one in three inhabitants of this picturesque island lives to the age of 90.
It’s little surprise, then, that scientists are attempting to unravel the secret behind the elderly islanders’ remarkable longevity – uncovering clues to their Mediterranean diet, afternoon naps and active sex lives in their twilight years.
Anthropologists have long advocated a fresh, nutritious Mediterranean diet rich in fish and olive oil as a recipe for a long and healthy life.
Traditional village of Avdilos in the island of Ikaria (Image: Lemonon via Getty Images)
The so-called “Blue Zones” refer to areas spanning the globe where populations are believed to enjoy the longest life spans.
As well as Ikaria, located in the Aegean Sea, anthropologists have identified the world’s blue regions – the Japanese island of Okinawa, said to be home to the world’s longest-living women, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, where middle-aged mortality rates were well below average, and the Italian tourist paradise of Sardinia.
Supported by National Geographic, bestselling author and longevity expert Dan Buettner and his team of demographers have in recent years explored the blue regions, including Ikaria, to uncover the secrets of their extraordinary lifespans.
Writing in The New York Times in 2012 about his visit to the island – acknowledging that previous claims of a long-lived population had often been dismissed – Buettner said that Ikaria’s reputation remains unbroken.
The researchers found that record-keeping in some villages renowned for the longevity of local people meant that many residents did not actually know their age.
The port of Agios Kyriakos in the island of Ikaria, Greece (Image: Konstantinos-Iliopoulos via Getty Images)
Additionally, some destinations found that a reputation for longevity attracted tourism.
However, researchers in Greece uncovered solid documentation to authenticate claims of Ikaria’s long-lived population.
He established that local people reach the age of 90 at a rate two and a half times higher than Americans.
Several studies consistently showed that island villagers were in comparatively better health, living longer and suffering from cancer, heart disease, dementia and depression.
A study from the University of Athens School of Medicine examined the diets of hundreds of Ikarian people, finding that they ate substantial amounts of beans and fish – and meat only five times a month.
The Ikaria study additionally found that older islanders had lower amounts of refined sugar but higher amounts of olive oil in their diets.
Researchers found that islanders consumed two to three cups of coffee and two to four glasses of wine a day.
Interviews conducted by Mr. Buettner’s research team revealed that islanders enjoy diets lower in heart disease-inducing saturated fats found in meat and dairy, and consume more of antioxidant-rich and pesticide-free greens grown in their own gardens.
The residents’ consumption of unheated olive oil is believed to raise good cholesterol, while their diet includes goat milk used in feta, which contains tryptophan – a compound that stimulates the so-called ‘happy chemical’ serotonin.
The small town of Armenistris on the island of Ikaria, Greece (Image: George Pachantouris via Getty Images)
The Ikaria study has revealed that one of the biggest secrets to a long and fulfilling life may be remarkably straightforward: Islanders also live largely stress-free lives.
The researchers found that most of the oldest residents reported regular physical activity, nutritious eating habits, non-smoking, vibrant social lives, afternoon naps – and remarkably low levels of depression.
However, Mr. Buettner’s research team’s visit to the island also provided another clue to their stable, contented lives.
During interviews conducted with Iraqis over the age of 90 – most claimed to still be sexually active.
