“Blue Zones” are places where residents have remarkable longevity, often living beyond a century.

These five locations – Nicoya in Costa Rica, Sardinia in Italy, Ikaria in Greece, Okinawa in Japan, and Loma Linda in California.  They are termed “Blue Zones” by scientists because the residents in these places scattered in different corners of the world have remarkable longevity, with significant numbers of them living beyond 100 years old.

Okinawa in Japan is renowned for having healthy super-senior citizens.

What is their secret to longevity? After decades of studies, researchers found out that residents in these “Blue Zones” have common characteristics that slow down the ageing process and physical decay; among others:

1. Diet – they eat less than the average adult, only about “80% full”.
2. Spiritual connections – many of them are religious people.
3. They live in integrated communities having close kinship with others.
4. They appreciate and embrace nature.
5. Active lifestyle with higher levels of physical activities.
6. They live in moderation.

Seniors on the Italian island of Sardinia also enjoy longevity and good health.

Read more about the scientists’ findings in the BBC Future article here: The ingredients for a longer life.