Since the very beginning of human history, people have looked for ways to live forever. In feeble attempts to cheat death humans have sought out the mythical fountain of youth, consumed potions made of gold, and more recently began taking blood transfusions from younger people to hopefully stave off the grim reaper a little longer. I’m sorry to be the one to tell you this, but none of these things will work. We will all meet our makers one day. However, if you are hoping to add just a few extra years to this life, there are destinations around the globe that may be able to help.
There are a few extraordinary towns around the world known as “Blue Zones.” Blue Zones are places around the globe where residents tend to live longer than the average lifespan. (For the record, the average Global life expectancy hovers somewhere around 71.4 years.)
But, these places aren’t just home to people that live longer. They are home to people who live longer and healthier lives too.
Author Dan Buettner, along with the National Geographic Society, studied the places around the world with the highest concentrations of individuals over 100 years old. He also studied the communities filled with people who aged without heart disease, obesity, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions. He published those findings in his book, The Blue Zones Solution. According to Buettner, five distinct places around the globe can be considered Blue Zones. Here's where they are located and why the people living there just might outlast us all.
Take note that just because you don't live in one of these five idyllic places doesn't mean you can't live until you're 100, too. Just take away these lessons: Sleep more, drink tea, spend time with loved ones, move a little bit every day, and eat your veggies.
It's no fountain of youth, but it's close.