Blue Zones: Regions with exceptional longevity – Greece among them

Blue Zones are geographical regions where people statistically live longer, often over 100 years, remaining healthy. The term was first used by Dan Buettner.

The 5 regions with the highest life expectancy:

• Ikaria, Greece: Mediterranean diet, olive oil, red wine, home-grown vegetables.
• Okinawa, Japan: High life expectancy in women, soy-based diet, Tai Chi.
• Sardinia, Italy: Ogliastra region, longest-living men, farm work, red wine.
• Nicoya, Costa Rica: Diet based on beans and corn tortillas, physical labor, sense of purpose.
• Loma Linda, USA: Vegetarianism, strong community relationships.

Reasons for longevity:

• In Okinawa, they follow the "hara hachi bu" rule (stop eating when 80% full).
• Exercise through daily tasks (gardening, walking).
• In Sardinia, working in nature and walking long distances are linked to longevity.
• Important family and friend relationships.

Blue Zones inhabitants mainly follow a plant-based diet, exercise, consume moderate amounts of alcohol, sleep enough, and have strong social networks.