FOUNTAINS OF YOUTH
If wellness travel is your thing, get extra points by picking one of these global spots where life expectancy is highest
1 OKINAWA ARCHIPELAGO, JAPAN
A group of 161 islands in the East China Sea, the Okinawa Archipelago is home to ruins, rare cats, extensive limestone caves and coral reefs. The residents here also live longer than anywhere else in the world. There are around 35 centenarians for every 100,000 inhabitants, five times more than the rest of Japan, a country already noted for the long life expectancy of its citizens. According to WHO statistics, the Japanese live to 83.7 years, on average. Explanations have included diet (low-fat, low-salt foods, such as fish, tofu and seaweed are popular here), low-stress lifestyle, and the spirituality of the inhabitants. Head there and some of it might rub off on you.
2 CAMPODIMELE, ITALY
The hilltop town of Campodimele lies in the Italian province of Latina, halfway between Naples and Rome. Its residents live to an average age of 95, with the mountain air, relaxed lifestyle and diet — basil, anchovies, tomatoes — given the credit.
3 SYMI, GREECE
The inhabitants of Symi in Greece often live into their 90s, with diet (olive oil, fish, tomatoes, and only a little meat) again thought to be the key factor. There’s no airport, so you’ll need to fly to Rhodes and take a ferry. Ikaria, a Greek island 56km off the coast of Turkey, is also known for its longliving residents.
4 MONACO
According to the CIA World Factbook, residents of Monaco can expect to live to an average age of 89.5. That is probably down to their sizeable bank balances and good healthcare, rather than diet. Take a holiday there, woo a rich banker and you too could live to a ripe old age.
5 MACAU
The life expectancy in Macau is 84.5 years, placing it fourth on the World Factbook list. Surprising, perhaps, given that it’s famous for gambling — a pastime that’s hardly conducive to relaxation. But much of the money the government makes
from its casino is pumped back into public healthcare and welfare programmes.
6 LOMA LINDA, CALIFORNIA
The town of Loma Linda, set on the outskirts of Los Angeles, has been cited as another place where residents live
unusually long lives. A number are Seventhday Adventists, who refrain from eating meat and drinking alcohol, which probably explains their longevity.
7 NICOYA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
The region in Costa Rica is known for its beaches and is a popular tourist destination. Its residents also frequently live beyond 100 years of age. The simple lifestyle — Nicoyans usually make a living farming or on cattle ranches — is said to be responsible. The beaches probably help.
8 HONG KONG
Despite smog, skyscrapers and regular rainfall, Hong Kong’s residents often live to a very senior age — the average life expectancy is 82.9 years, according to the CIA World Factbook. Diet is key — steamed fish, veg, and herbal tea with every meal — as is the popularity of T’ai chi, which is thought to boost health.
9 VILCABAMBA, ECUADOR
Due to its unusually robust population — and its residents’ propensity for exaggeration (some claim to be older than 120) — Vilcabamba, in southern Ecuador, has been described as “The Valley of Longevity”. Scientists have come here attempting to unravel the mystery and one businessman even developed and marketed a “miracle” drink made from locally grown fruit and vegetables.
10 THE HUNZA VALLEY, PAKISTAN
Rates of illness are remarkably low in this beautiful region of Pakistan, and its residents often live to a ripe old age. This is attributed to their active lifestyle and healthy diet, with staples of chicken, apricots, and vegetables.