Ikaria & Longevity

Ikaria is an island that has long been revered for the longevity of its people. Though perhaps more recognized in modern times through The Blue Zones research, there is a long and rich history detailing the island’s hearty people.

In the 17th century, Joseph Giorgirenis, the arch-bishop of Samos, traveled to various islands of the Aegean and described his account of their lifestyle in his book, A Description of the Present State of Samos, Nicaria, Patmos, and Mount Athos.

While in Ikaria, he wrote,

“The most commendable thing of this island is their air and water, both so healthful, that the people are very long lived, it being an ordinary thing to see persons of 100 years of age, which is a great wonder, considering how hardily they live” (p. 61).

In modern day, Dan Buettner of The National Geographic, alongside his team of scientists and demographers, identified five regions in the world with the highest populations of living centenarians today. They circled each zone on a map with a blue marker, thus entitling their research as “The Blue Zones.”

The five regions identified are Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Linda Loma, California; and Nicoya, Costa Rica. Each of these regions is considered to be a hot-spot of longevity, and are revered for their high quality of life and vitality of their populations.

Ikaria’s healthy Mediterranean diet, slow pace of life, and strong sense of community are some of the vital factors that contribute to their longevity. Not to mention a penchant for strong red wine and dancing whenever possible! Incredibly, Ikarians are nearly free of chronic disease and dementia, and the island continues its rich legacy of longevity and healthy living.

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