Blue Zones: The world’s longest-living communities

In a world obsessed with anti-aging creams and expensive supplements, the answer to a long and vibrant life might just lie in a few remarkable corners of the globe.

In Okinawa, tradition is more than heritage—it’s a pathway to long life. Elders here often live past 100 in good health, and researchers believe it’s largely because they follow time-tested cultural habits. From the mindful eating practice of «hara hachi bu» (eating until 80% full), to a largely plant-based diet rich in vegetables and tofu, Okinawans also stay active through gardening and walking, and remain socially connected through lifelong support circles called «moai». For younger generations and visitors alike, embracing these simple but powerful traditions could be the key to a longer, healthier life. Photo: Hsu Luke, Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

These areas, known as Blue Zones, are places where people routinely live past 90 and even 100 years of age—often in excellent health. First identified by journalist and explorer Dan Buettner, Blue Zones offer not just extended lifespans, but a higher quality of life in old age. So what makes these regions so unique, and what can travelers learn from them?

In Okinawa, Japan—home to one of the highest concentrations of centenarians in the world—long life is not just a matter of good genes, but of deeply ingrained cultural habits. One of the most powerful of these is the practice of «hara hachi bu», a Confucian-inspired saying that reminds people to eat until they are only 80% full. This simple act of restraint helps prevent overeating and supports a lower-calorie, nutrient-dense diet. Combined with a strong sense of purpose (ikigai), daily physical activity, and tight-knit social circles called «moai», this mindful eating habit contributes to the remarkable health and vitality of Okinawan elders, many of whom live well past 100 in good physical and mental condition. Photo by Xie lipton on Unsplash

Okinawa - Japan: Longevity through purpose and plants

Far south of mainland Japan, Okinawa is a sun-drenched island where the locals seem to defy the rules of aging. Women here have the highest life expectancy in the world—and they rarely suffer from heart disease, cancer, or dementia.

What’s their secret? A traditional Okinawan diet rich in vegetables, tofu, seaweed, and sweet potatoes—low in calories but high in nutrients. They also practice hara hachi bu, the cultural habit of eating until you're 80% full. Social bonds are also vital: elders are deeply connected through small support groups called moai, which provide emotional and practical support for life.

For travelers, Okinawa offers not only pristine beaches but also a serene, community-focused lifestyle that invites you to slow down and reflect.

In Sardinia’s mountainous Barbagia region, even the youngest generations grow up surrounded by the traditions that help people live exceptionally long lives. The area is recognized as a Blue Zone thanks to its unusually high number of male centenarians. Longevity here is tied to a traditional lifestyle: a simple Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, goat’s milk, and garden vegetables; daily physical activity from shepherding and farming; and deep respect for elders. If Sardinia’s youth continue to embrace these cultural values—strong family ties, active living, and a close connection to the land—they too may enjoy the gift of a long and healthy life. Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

Sardinia - Italy: Wine, walking and the wisdom of elders

In the rugged highlands of Sardinia’s Barbagia region, men frequently live to see their 100th birthdays—a rarity in most of the world. The landscape is mountainous and remote, and it’s common to see elders walking uphill or tending to livestock well into their 90s.

Their Mediterranean diet—full of whole grains, garden vegetables, goat’s milk, and olive oil—is a cornerstone of health. But it’s the family-centered lifestyle and strong cultural traditions that make Sardinia stand out. Elders are revered, and multigenerational homes are the norm.

One more local tradition stands out: a daily glass (or two) of Cannonau, a deep red wine rich in heart-healthy polyphenols. This is a place where time moves slowly, and life is celebrated—especially during village festivals that bring everyone together.

In Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, old age is not only common—it’s often vibrant and healthy. This Blue Zone is known for having one of the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality. Locals often live into their 90s and beyond, thanks to a combination of mineral-rich water high in calcium, a simple diet based on beans, corn, and squash, strong family networks, and an enduring sense of purpose known as «plan de vida.» Daily physical activity, sunshine, and low stress complete the formula that helps Nicoyans age with strength and dignity.

 Nicoya Peninsula - Costa Rica: Healthy bones and hearty beans

Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and dense forests, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula isn’t just a tropical paradise—it’s one of the healthiest places to grow old. Nicoyans are known for their strong bones, sharp minds, and low rates of cancer and heart disease.

A big part of this success is hard water—naturally rich in calcium—which helps preserve bone strength well into old age. Diet also plays a role: meals are simple and hearty, often built around black beans, corn tortillas, squash, and bananas. Locals often rise with the sun, perform physical labor into their elder years, and carry a strong sense of purpose known as plan de vida.

For visitors, Nicoya offers the rare chance to meet people who live simply, yet fully—welcoming guests with warmth and sharing stories of strength and resilience.

Therma, a quiet village on the Greek island of Ikaria, is one of the island’s most remarkable places—known for its natural hot springs and an unusually high number of people living well into their 90s and beyond. Locals here follow a relaxed pace of life, enjoying daily walks, fresh Mediterranean meals, afternoon naps, and strong social bonds. Surrounded by mountains and sea, Therma embodies the Ikarian lifestyle where time feels slower, stress is rare, and old age is simply a part of everyday life. Photo: Annatsach, Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ikaria - Greece: Naps, herbs, and the joy of island living

High above the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Ikaria has quietly become one of the world’s most extraordinary Blue Zones. Here, nearly one in three people lives into their 90s—and chronic illness is astonishingly rare.

Ikarians follow a traditional Mediterranean diet of wild greens, legumes, olive oil, and herbal teas made from local plants like sage and oregano. They take naps, avoid stress, and participate in frequent social gatherings. There’s no rush on Ikaria; people live by the rhythms of nature and community.

This isn’t just a place—it’s a philosophy. Time spent in Ikaria means long, laughter-filled evenings under the stars, dancing at festivals, and waking up with no alarm clocks. It’s no wonder they forget to die here.

 Loma Linda - California: Faith, food and extra years

In Loma Linda, California, a community of Seventh-day Adventists enjoys some of the longest lifespans in the United States—often living 7 to 10 years longer than the national average. Their secret lies in a holistic lifestyle rooted in faith, rest, and clean living. Most Adventists follow a plant-based diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, exercise regularly, and set aside Saturdays for rest, worship, and family time. Their strong sense of community, purpose, and spiritual grounding plays a vital role in their physical and mental well-being well into old age.

It might surprise some that one of the world’s healthiest communities exists in Southern California, less than two hours from Los Angeles. But Loma Linda is home to a large group of Seventh-day Adventists, a religious community whose way of life adds up to nearly a decade of extra life expectancy compared to the average American.

Adventists follow a plant-based diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and prioritize rest—especially on Saturdays, their Sabbath. Many also engage in daily walks, gardening, and volunteer work. Community support and shared values create a safe, stable environment for healthy aging.

Visitors may not find resorts here, but they’ll discover something deeper: a holistic, faith-centered approach to life that fosters peace, purpose, and good health.

What do these places have in common?

Despite their differences in culture, language, and geography, all five Blue Zones share common lifestyle habits:

• Plant-based, low-processed diets

• Frequent, natural movement (walking, gardening, working)

• Strong family and community connections

• A sense of life purpose

• Low stress and spiritual engagement
  

Emerging Blue Zones and global interest

Beyond the original five, some regions are working to replicate Blue Zone practices. Cities like Singapore and Nagano, Japan, have improved public health dramatically by focusing on lifestyle changes. Meanwhile, some towns in Scandinavia and the Netherlands are adopting wellness policies inspired by Blue Zones—integrating walkable cities, green spaces, and social care into everyday life.

How to travel like you're in a Blue Zone

You don’t have to move to a Blue Zone to benefit from their wisdom. Here’s how to incorporate their lifestyle while traveling:

• Choose homestays or eco-lodges with strong community ties

• Eat locally and slowly—focus on beans, vegetables, and whole foods

• Walk or cycle instead of renting a car

• Attend local festivals or community gatherings

• Unplug from tech and enjoy the pace of daily life

  
  

Longevity is a lifestyle

The world’s Blue Zones remind us that the key to a long, fulfilling life isn’t found in high-tech gadgets or superfoods—but in simplicity, community, and purpose. As travelers, visiting these places gives us more than memories—it offers a new lens through which to view health, happiness, and what truly matters.

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Blue Zones facts and background

Who coined the term "Blue Zones"?

The term «Blue Zones» was coined by Dan Buettner, an American journalist, explorer, and author. He introduced the concept in a 2005 National Geographic article titled «The Secrets of a Long Life», based on demographic research and global fieldwork.

When was the concept developed?

The research that led to the Blue Zones concept began in the early 2000s. Buettner worked with demographers like Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, who had previously studied centenarian populations in Sardinia. They marked these longevity hotspots with blue ink on a map—hence the name Blue Zones.

What are the original five Blue Zones?

1. Okinawa, Japan

2. Sardinia, Italy

3. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

4. Ikaria, Greece

5. Loma Linda, California, USA
   

Is Blue Zone status officially approved or certified?

No formal government certification exists. A region does not need to apply or be officially approved to be called a Blue Zone. The label is based on data-driven longevity patterns—such as a high number of centenarians and low rates of chronic disease—and validated by independent researchers.

However, the term "Blue Zones®" is trademarked by Dan Buettner and Blue Zones LLC, a company he co-founded that now consults on community health projects around the world.

What makes a region qualify as a Blue Zone?

• Exceptionally high longevity rates, especially among people aged 90–100+

• Low rates of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and other age-related illnesses

• A population-wide pattern of healthy lifestyle habits: strong social ties, mostly plant-based diet, daily movement, and purpose-driven living

  
  

Are new Blue Zones being created today?

Yes. Through the Blue Zones Project, Dan Buettner and his team work with cities (mostly in the United States) to replicate the habits of Blue Zone regions. Some examples include:

• Albert Lea, Minnesota

• Fort Worth, Texas

• Naples, Florida
  

These are called «Blue Zones Project Cities», and they’re supported with policies that promote walkability, community interaction, and healthy food access.

Can travelers visit Blue Zones?

Absolutely. All five original Blue Zones are accessible for tourism, and many offer immersive experiences:

• Okinawa and Ikaria have longevity walking tours and cooking classes.

• Sardinia and Nicoya welcome travelers into village life and home stays.

• Loma Linda is more residential, but visitors can attend health seminars and Adventist-run wellness centers.