Blue Zones are regions that have a higher life expectancy than the rest of the world. People consistently reach age 100, unlike the U.S where the current average lifespan is 77 years, according to the CDC.
Not only do people in Blue Zones live longer lives, but they also live healthier lives. Ikaria is one of the five Blue Zones with significantly reduced rates of chronic illnesses.
How come, we hear you ask? Not to worry — we’re going to break it down for you in our fascinating guide to the Ikaria Blue Zone lifestyle, featuring tips and tricks you can incorporate to improve your own longevity.
Where Is Ikaria?
First things first, Ikaria is one of Greece’s many islands in the Aegean Sea located about 30 miles from the Turkish coast. It is named after Icarus, the young man in Greek mythology who — according to legend — flew too close to the sun and plunged into the sea close to Ikaria.
What Is the Average Lifespan in Ikaria?
Ikaria is known as the “island of longevity” with one in three of its residents making it to their 90s. People on the island are 10 times more likely to live to 100 than Americans.
According to Dan Buettner, the founder of the Blue Zones, the rates of depression and dementia are extremely low. People also tend to have lower rates of cancer, heart disease and other chronic diseases.
What Do They Eat in Ikaria?
Food plays a major role in giving Ikarians healthy, long lives. The people very much believe “food is life” and mostly follow a Mediterranean diet. They prioritise fresh, home-grown, plant-based ingredients and only eat meat occasionally.
This is supposedly linked to the fact that Ikaria was historically isolated and underdeveloped; therefore, the population had to learn to sustain itself with finite food resources.
People grew and harvested food locally so meat and other less-healthy foods were saved for special occasions. In their own gardens, Ikarians grow fresh and seasonal fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts and herbs. Many people also raise livestock.
The following foods are consumed in abundance:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans, including chickpeas, black-eyed peas and lentils
- Honey
- Wine
- Goat’s milk and cheese
- Mountain teas
- Nutrient-dense greens and weeds including “horta" (an edible wild weed-like plant popular throughout Greece)
- Berries
- Mushrooms
- Herbs
- Nuts like almonds and walnuts
- Olive oil
- Ikarian red wine (containing high levels of antioxidants that lower blood pressure)
- Greek coffee (found to be beneficial for circulation and protect against heart disease, dementia and Type 2 diabetes)
- Herbal tea (made with oregano, sage or rosemary and containing antioxidants)
Additionally, Ikarians are experienced fishermen and often catch their own seafood. Their evening meal usually features some kind of fish, such as sardines, salmon, trout and herring.
What Does a Regular Day Look Like in Ikaria?
Ikaria encompasses all aspects of the Mediterranean diet, including the close-knit sense of community from locally produced, home-cooked food. But there are other elements that make it qualify as a Blue Zone.
Light and Late Mealtimes
Ikarians will typically have a late breakfast with a spoonful of honey every morning to take advantage of its antioxidants and antibacterial properties, which help the body regulate blood sugar levels. They will then have a late lunch and a late dinner with wine.
Each meal will be light and often home-cooked with locally sourced ingredients.
Leisurely Afternoons
A late lunch is usually followed by an afternoon nap for Ikarians, with many having already finished work by this time. This allows a quiet, restful period that reduces stress and ultimately creates a heart-healthy afternoon routine.
Social Evenings
Due to its geographical location, Ikaria is an isolated culture rooted in family life. Ikarians have a “family first” mindset and use mealtimes to catch up with loved ones and share anecdotes.
Following dinner, Ikarians may visit with neighbours and have a cup of herbal tea before going to sleep around midnight. The tiny island community supports physical, emotional and mental health, as well as creating happy and healthy relationships.
Plenty of Walks and Sex
It’s common to remain active well into your 90s in Ikaria. As well as socialising, Ikarians cook, garden, walk and enjoy sex well into their later years.
In fact, an Ikarian study from the University of Athens showed that 90% of Ikarian males were still having sex between the ages of 65 and 100.
This just proves that Ikaria is a modern example of true Mediterranean living. Their local produce, home cooking, light meals, stress-free afternoons, social habits and active lifestyle aims to strengthen the body and ensure a long, healthy way of life.
