Bestselling author Dan Buettner, renowned for his work on healthy living and longevity, has unveiled a location where he claims “people refuse to die” due to its impressive life expectancy.
Dan is the founder of Blue Zone, a project that identifies regions worldwide with the healthiest and longest-living populations. His research distils the secrets of these longevity-rich cultures into nine simple practices, as stated on his website.
Dan took to TikTok to delve deeper into one such ‘blue zone’ – the small Greek island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea. Despite being inhabited since around 7000BC, it’s population remains under 9,000.
“Ikaria is probably the most extraordinary blue zone, right off the coast of Türkiye,” Dan began in his video. He highlighted that residents here experience dementia at a rate one-fifth of that in the United States, leading not only longer lives but also maintaining their cognitive sharpness.
Dan recalled writing an article for the New York Times about Stamatis Moriatis, who moved to the US for work, only to be diagnosed with cancer. After returning to Ikaria, however, Moriatis lived for another 35 years.
He believes this is testament to the island’s remarkable longevity. “That’s just emblematic of the type of things you see here,” Dan said, as he navigated through the islands’ tranquil streets by foot.
The mystery of the islanders’ remarkable health was what captured his interest. “We’re not sure why people here are living longer, but we suspect the herbal teas have something to do with it,” he suggested. Dan explained: “They drink rosemary, oregano and sort of a mint tea every day – instead of coffee often.”
He further noted the locals’ lifestyle, emphasising their autonomy: “People live spread out with their own gardens,” Dan remarked. He pointed out: “They have a fierce sense of independence, and that may explain some of their longevity.”
The video stirred a huge reaction on TikTok, with users from Ikaria affirming Dan’s observations. “I’m from Ikaria,” commented one user. “It might have a lot to do with diet and our more walking based lifestyle. Even my great grandparents walk everywhere despite being 90+ years old.”
Another echoed similar sentiments about long-living relatives, writing: “My great grandpa lived to 108, all his teeth, no glasses, no cane, lived independently on fourth floor, hiked every day. Loved milk and tomatoes.”
Those commenting from outside Ikaria shared their impressions too: “It’s beautiful there and the food is much better than in the USA. I ate yoghurt with honey every morning when I was there. I never eat that at home. They eat very little meat and hardly any sugar. They also have a passion or a hobby. Do light exercise (walking , biking, gardening) every day.”
Another enthused: “Ikaria is a tiny paradise on earth, healthy lifestyle, vibrant people and a relaxing vibe, fresh delish food and untouched scenery, what a place! ” A third suggested the benefits of coastal living, adding: “I read something about being close to the ocean and eating wholesome foods grown locally and surrounded by nature increases livelihood.”
Meanwhile, a final commenter theorised: “I bet is a great sense of independence, not individualism. Great sense of independence with a great sense of community as well, Americans wouldn’t understand it. I grew up in a blue zone myself.”