These extraordinary places are referred to as Blue Zones, and their citizens enjoy upwards of 20 years more on Earth than the rest of us. Due to past studies on the subject, we now know of several geographical locations where people live longer and healthier. The greatest finding from past studies is that longevity has more to do with lifestyle choices than genes. Let’s check out the top 15 places on the globe with the longest average life expectancy.
Andorra
This is a beautiful country situated between France and Spain. It’s a popular destination for skiers, and the tax-haven status invites shoppers from around the world. The country’s high GDP gives its citizens the opportunity to access high-quality healthcare, making the average lifespan of an Andorran roughly 82.8 years. The clean mountain air is probably a plus, too.
Campodimele, Italy
The average lifespan of this town found 80 miles south of Rome is a staggering 95 years old. They have the crisp, mountain air and a simple diet of spaghetti, basil, anchovies, and tomatoes to thank for their extended life expectancy. Living in mountainous areas also guarantees a hassle-free lifestyle, away from the stress of the city.
Guernsey
The average lifespan in this island located off the coast of Normandy is about 81 years old. Their longevity i
Hong Kong
Clean air, quiet living, and high income aren’t what makes the citizens of Hong Kong live to an average 84 years old. The key to a long, healthy life? Diet. They eat steamed fish, vegetables, and herbal tea for every meal. Tai Chi might also play a role in boosting their health.
s mainly attributed to the low tax laws and high income that its residents enjoy so much. More money means better healthcare, quality food, and drink, and more chances to travel.
Ikaria, Greece
This area is known as “the island where people forget to die.” Its people are basically surrounded by a fountain of youth. There are more centenarians here than anywhere else in Europe. They have a simple diet of fruits, vegetables, beans and olive oil, and they stay up until late night playing dominoes and enjoying each other’s company.
Kyotango, Japan
This city located north-west of Kyoto has over 80 centenarians out of their 53,000 population. This is an unusually high number, even for the country of Japan which is already known for being home to some of the oldest living people in the world. If you want to live a long, healthy life, then eat light and relax.
Loma Linda, California
This town is found just on the outskirts of LA. Loma Linda’s lovely residents are known to live past the hundred-year mark. Coincidentally, it also has the highest number of Seventh-Day Adventists in the US. Their lifespan is most likely due to the following of a strict diet of grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Macau
This 21.74-square mile country bordering China is ranked second on the list of countries with the longest life expectancies. On average, the citizens of Macau live to roughly 81-years-old. This is due to a high GDP per capita and state-of-the-art medical facilities that its residents have little trouble accessing.
Monaco
Surprisingly, the second smallest country in the world (by area) is home to the longest living people on Earth (by country). The life expectancy of the average Monegasque is about 90 years. Their diet of healthy fish, olive oil, and vegetables, alongside a sizable wallet and great healthcare facilities, are what support their exceptional lifespan.
Monaco
Surprisingly, the second smallest country in the world (by area) is home to the longest living people on Earth (by country). The life e
xpectancy of the average Monegasque is about 90 years. Their diet of healthy fish, olive oil, and vegetables, alongside a sizable wallet and great healthcare facilities, are what support their exceptional lifespan.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Nicoya is famed for its pristine beaches, amazing wildlife, and citizens who live more than a century. The people who reside in this peninsula attribute their long lives mainly to finding a sense of belonging in their social communities and tackling the challenges of living on farms. Relaxing on their beaches might also contribute to their longevity.
Islands of Okinawa, Japan
The archipelago comprised of 161 islands has one of the longest life expectancies for both men and women in Asia. They’re expected to enjoy time on Earth for at least 84 and 90 years, respectively. There are more than 300 centenarians living on these islands of Japan. They thank their diet consisting of squid and tofu for their long lives.
Sardinia, Italy
Inhabitants of the second largest island in Italy often go beyond the hundred-year mark and enjoy life for more than a decade after that. Unlike the other places mentioned on this list, the people of Sardinia are financially and geographically ill-equipped to access healthcare. Basically, the centenarian status of these people is a medical marvel.
Symi, Greece
Living to be 85-years-old in Symi is considered only “moderately” lucky, even compared to the average lifespan of neighboring European countries. Their longevity is due to the typical Mediterranean diet with little meat intake. On your birthday, they sing, “May you live to be 100 and more!” Apparently, many people take that as a challenge and win.
The Hunza Valley, Pakistan
The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in Northern Pakistan. Falling ill is an uncommon occurrence in this beautiful region, due to the hassle-free lifestyle of its residents. A strict eat-to-live diet is what keeps them going. In fact, being 100-years-old doesn’t qualify as being an “elderly person” in this valley.
Vilcabamba, Ecuador
The citizens of this village in Southern Ecuador boast living past 100 years on average. However, this is most likely an exaggeration, proven by recent studies showing that the average lifespan of its residents is “only” 86 years old. They enjoy happy, healthy lives, basically free from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other serious illnesses.
