Exploring Places Where People Live Beyond 100 Years

Many of us are afraid of dying, closing our eyes, and never opening again, though it is something that will surely happen, the question is when?

Life expectancy is dropping as days go by. How can we prevent this? Not by preventing death, but by learning how to live a long, quality life. There are places worldwide, with people over 100 years old who live that way even without trying hard. These regions have captured the attention of researchers, health enthusiasts, and longevity seekers. From diet and daily habits to community ties and cultural practices, their secrets could help every one of us.

5 places with a long-living population

1. okinawa japan

Known as the “Land of the Immortals, Okinawa boasts of making it to 100 thus having the highest concentration of centenarians, though the number of women is higher than men. During an interview, they revealed some of their tips including:

Tip 1: Be easygoing and do not let things upset you

They said laughter brings longevity. We talked with a 100-year-old woman who was vital, vigorous, funny, and positive. She plays an Okinawan banjo instrument without missing a note and sings too.

tip 2: they practice gardening and most of their produce has medicinal power. example, mulberry leaves are good for sore throat, squid ink soup is for detox, asa seaweed releases heat from the body, goya has some compounds that lower blood sugar hence low rates of diabetes in Okinawa. Tofu has low cholesterol, therefore, lowering the risk of heart disease, and may slow down the progression of some cancers they also consume sweet potatoes

range of foods that contribute to fueling long lives. you can also ask, How much are they eating? They eat less, for they have a rule of “stop eating when you are 80% full”, which is naturally eating less hence the decreased number of obesity cases.

tip 3: Most old people don’t own couches but rather low tables and mats. They mostly sit on the floor, thus getting up and down almost 30 times a day is compared to 30 squats. This strengthens their lower body and improves balance.

tip 4: apart from gardening to produce food, they are always weeding, watering, seeding, or harvesting. It takes 1-2 hours a day, this is gentle, low-intensity physical activity.

tip 5: Have a group of friends, who chat, sing and do some activities together daily. keeps their minds engaged and body moving. Combined with practices like ikigai (a sense of purpose) and strong community support systems.

2. Sardinia, Italy

This tropical paradise is home to one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The Nicoyan diet, rich in beans, corn, and squash, combined with a sense of plan de vida (life purpose) and strong social connections, plays a significant role in their long lives.

In this place, the ratio of men to women is 1:1 for the long-living population.

Tip 6: their landscape is steep, and has more high lows and stairs; just walking, they have additional energy expenditure.

Below is a daily routine for most people living in urban areas:

Prolonged physical inactivity increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

instead of paying for an expensive gym, maybe start skipping the elevator and taking the stairs.

Tip7: Good carbs

they make their loaves of bread called sourdough which is leavened with a bacteria called lactobacillus that lowers the glycemic load of an entire meal meaning bread has lower sugar absorption.

they feed on whole grains, greens & beans.

men are traditionally shepherds which helps to control stress.

tip8: they have no nursing homes for old people, old people are usually cared for by the community, surrounded by lively and loving people.

3. Loma Linda, United States

Tip 9: the Seventh-day Adventist community in Loma Linda prioritizes a plant-based diet like nuts, cereals, vegetables & fruits, regular exercise, a community for social interactions, and strong faith-based practices. Their holistic approach to health and spirituality has led to a high number of centenarians.

4. Ikaria, Greece

Known as the “Island Where People Forget to Die,” Ikaria’s residents have a lower rate of chronic diseases and dementia.

tip10: they follow a stress-free lifestyle with regular naps and social gatherings.

tip11: they take herbal tea which is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic that lowers blood pressure, and use raw honey instead of sugar, making their wines from grapefruits.

tip12: they follow stress-free practices with nurturing social interactions, dancing, and laughter.

5.Nicoya , Costa Rica

tip 13: They have a rule of continuing to do the work and combining it with a sense of plan de Vida (the idea of finding a sense of purpose in life ), which plays a significant role in their long lives. 

Tip 14: Their diet includes black beans as antioxidants, kernels, squash, and more fiber that cleanse the colon.

they do everything by themselves using their hands it’s like an exercise. even though it is a small country, it offers an efficient healthcare system.

see the patterns for longevity in different places

what to learn from the places

Generally, the regions have some common practices for healthier living :

Move Naturally and routine tasks: they use their hands, gardening, and walking

Eat wisely: Plant-based diet, avoid processed foods, wines and moderation

Connect: family first, partnership, and right tribe

outlook: manage stress through relaxation, faith, and a strong sense of purpose

conclusion

By embracing the habits and lifestyle practices of these long-lived communities, we can take meaningful steps toward a healthier and potentially longer life. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, fostering strong social ties, or finding your sense of purpose, the lessons from these regions remind us that small, consistent choices can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Learn more about tips for a healthier life ;