Top 5 Of The World’s Healthiest Populations

If your plan is to go live abroad, or if you’re just looking for your next holiday destination – have you ever considered traveling to Icaria, Costa Rica or Japan? Their inhabitants are among the world’s healthiest and oldest populations. In addition, there are even more places you should definitely pay a visit. Dan Buettner, American explorer, educator & author, called them “blue zones.” People who live in those blue zones are said to live a happy and looooong life:

Nicoya, Costa Rica

Every resident who turns 100 is presented in the news there. In 2012, an incredible 417 people celebrated their 100th birthday in Nicoya. One of their secrets of longevity is sleep. They go to sleep right after sunset, then rise with the sun the next morning.

Sardinia, Italy

On the island of Sardinia, people still hunt, fish and cultivate their foods themselves. Family-related values are of utmost importance there, leading to a long and happy life. The Sardinians are convinced that a strong, healthy family can keep away stress, depression and suicide.

Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa is also called “the land of immortals.” Its female inhabitants are the world’s oldest women. One of the reasons for their longevity might be the fact that they hardly own any furniture & they usually just sit on the floor. Getting up and sitting down again all day long seems to keep their bodies fit.

Loma Linda, California

A community of approximately 9,000 Seventh-day Adventists lives in Loma Linda. Besides living as vegetarians, they also observe a 24-hour sabbath in every week. This helps them cope with stress while strengthening their social connections.

Icaria, Greece

The inhabitants of the Greek island of Icaria live, on average, 8 years longer than Americans. Their secret? An active lifestyle. Whether it’s gardening, visiting their neighbors or a daily walk – the more active people are in their everyday lives, the healthier they stay.

Now you know the secret of these blue zones. All their populations have several things in common: They lead a meaningful life, placing value on family and friends, focusing on healthy nutrition while drinking lots of water, sleeping 8 hours per night and renouncing cigarettes.

If you decide to live in one of these places and adopt the diet and lifestyle of the natives, chances are you’ll reach a high age while staying healthy and happy. Check out Dan Buettner’s interesting Ted Talk on How To Live To Be 100.

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