In recent years, there have been more and more discussions, research, and announcements regarding the regions of the planet that hold the bar high for the longest-living population.
Ikaria, a beautiful island nestled in the Northeastern Aegean Sea, is one of the 5 regions of the planet (known as blue zones) with the longest-lived residents. It combines tropical beauty with its deep blue and turquoise waters. The wild beauty with its pine and arian forests (Ranti forest in the Mesaria region in the northern part of the island) and its steep slopes. It also has the Thermal baths which are the strongest on the planet.
This resulted in the challenge of conducting a study on the island regarding the environmental and genetic characteristics of the inhabitants. The results were recognized by the international press and major scientific journals.
The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, the consumption of Greek coffee, moderate consumption of red wine, low to non-existent stress levels, the organization and participation in social events and regular sleep are some of the daily habits of the island's residents. Also, daily physical exercise has been shown to contribute to longevity and has been seen in older people with reduced rates of vascular diseases. It is important to mention that the vascular age of the residents is lower than that of the general population.. The dietary habits of the inhabitants of Ikaria are mainly related to a plant-based diet. They consist of nuts, legumes, vegetables, olive oil, honey, moderate consumption of dairy products, poultry and red meat. (As far as nutrition is concerned, these are local products.)
Additionally, the environmental conditions and geological characteristics contribute to the longevity of Ikaria. Most of the longest-lived residents live over 100 years. This is explained according to data from the Demokritos Research Center, that the low dose of gamma radiation emitted by the rocks has anti-inflammatory properties.
So, all you have to do is set as your goal for your visit to this small island. To discover and experience the daily life of these people who, despite all the adverse living conditions, especially during the winter months, are not overwhelmed by stress but rather feast with their souls and live to be 100 and beyond.
