I've always wanted to visit the islands of Ikaria (Greece) and Sardinia (Italy) - the 'Blue Zones' (zones of high life expectancy) where people live better and longer. For various reasons, so far, the visits have never been carried out.
Ikaria is located in the Aegean Sea. It derives its name from the greek mythology figure of Icarus. One gets to Ikaria by plane or ferry from Athens.
Sardinia is a big island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its 'blue zones' where people, reach an advanced age (90+, 100+ ) are mainly located on the territory of the cities Ogliastra, Barbagia , and Seulo. One gets to Sardinia by direct flight from various european cities, or by flight and ferry from mainland Italy.
centenarian at work (*web picture)
Many believe that only 25% of our longevity is determined by genetics, the remaining 75%, by our life style. No secrets about the life-style here:
In both the above islands, the diet is Mediterranean (plant based : fruit, vegetables, whole grains, etc..); dairy (in small amounts) made from goat milk; locally caught fish. Meat is eaten sparingly; wine is drunk in moderation - 1,2 glasses of wine daily.
Life in these zones is simple, natural, and slow-paced; it includes working in the garden or on farms, walking, mid-afternoon napping. Family ties are most important; so is socializing .
The elderly are considered by the younger people ,a resource , not a burden. Thus, old people get much respect and support for their wisdom and experience. That's the way it should be.
Yes, it does sound like a beautiful place. I am sure they respect where they live too. And of course, they know how to enjoy the little things. I know I would learn a lot. Thanks for the beautiful post. And I will have to remember to eat smaller meals, but big salads with olive oil, wine vinegar and feta cheese..oh and more olives. Thanks so much for the Friday post. Hope you have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeleteYes Ellie, I could have mentioned smaller meals, the use of olive oil, olives, cheese.
DeleteThe islands are beautiful, and the residents respect the beauty of nature.
They got it right there, in many ways!
ReplyDeleteVery true, Mari. They lead a self-sufficient life characterized by simplicity, moderation, in harmony with the surrounding nature. The results of this kind of life are more than good.
DeleteSuch a wonderful lifestyle! They have it figured out!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. They reach the advanced age without dementia, without heart trouble, without diabetics, and all the other health issues that are part of our western society.
DeleteSounds idyllic!
ReplyDeleteIt does, and it is idyllic. Family comes first, and that makes a big difference. Family support promotes health and longevity.
DeleteRespect for the elderly is a big plus and the diet
ReplyDeleteI was also brought up to respect the elderly; it makes you feel good and believe that this respect will return to you in the form of a longer and better life.
DeleteThose places are on my bucket list, too.
ReplyDeleteAwsome plan! In the meantime you can visit The Blue Zone that is closer to you: Loma Linda in southern California. A community of adventists who view health as central to their faith.
DeleteI know Greece and idealized it a lot. Many tourists think the same. But every trip leaves you memories and teachings
ReplyDeleteDuta Affections
Greece and its islands are an endless source of memories and teachings, definitely worthy of remembering and learning.
DeleteI also would love to travel to these two islands. I think some people in several islands in Japan have long lives as well; although people are living longer now, in every country. I was reading about a man in the UK who is 109, lives alone, drives to go shopping, cooks, etc., and is in great health. So there is hope for all of us.
ReplyDeleteOkinawa is the famous blue zone in Japan.
DeleteThere is indeed hope for us all to become centenarians, as people live indeed longer nowadays.
Older people sometimes here are seen as a burden and that breaks my heart for them.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Sometimes the rude attitude towards elderly people is heart-wrenching. These are people with no fear of God, and no fear of punishment.
DeleteThis is interesting. I doubt I shall ever get there. Thanks for writing about it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jenn. As for getting there - one never knows. 'Never say never'' as they say.
ReplyDeleteInteresting places to visit.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Even reading about them causes interest and curiosity. Islands in general , present us with rather special aspects of life and nature.
DeleteThe 3 places sound good. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all younger people thought of older people as you say.
ReplyDeleteYes, it would be wonderful. A lot depends on education and on the strength of faith. Both are on decline, methinks.
DeleteLa esperanza de vida para este año en España, es de 82 años para los hombres y 87 para las mujeres, que no está tampoco nada mal, el problema va a estar en las futuras generaciones, que cada día comen más "comida rápida", o lo que es lo mismo "comida basura", a pesar de que entre la población predomine la dieta mediterránea.
ReplyDeleteHe oído hablar de la belleza de esas islas y de la longevidad de sus habitantes, pero me pasa como a ti, que nunca he tenido la oportunidad de visitarlas.
Un saludo, apreciada amiga Duta.
82 and 87 ,not bad at all ! Fast food might spoil it for the youngsters of this generation.
DeletePerdona, pero se me olvida decirte, de que estoy de acuerdo contigo al ciento por ciento, sobre el respeto que se merecen las personas mayores, norma fundamental para una sociedad mejor.
ReplyDeleteRight, Manuel. Respect for the elderly is a Must, a basic norm in a normal society.
Deletei would like to come here! This place looks so comfy to live in:)
ReplyDeleteIdeal places, unless you're going to miss technology and the stress of urban work and traffic.
DeleteI would definitely like to go there to live too.
ReplyDeleteI can understand you. These zones are attractive from any angle one looks at them.
DeleteGreat place to visit
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Ashok. I haven't given up hope to visit there someday.
DeleteBoa tarde de quarta-feira e obrigado pela visita.
ReplyDeleteLugar lindo e maravilhoso.
Luiz Gomes
Wonderful places indeed. I wish I could visit there.
DeleteSo interesting reading about these places.
ReplyDeleteTrue. Even just reading about them is interesting.
Delete"Respect"...a word, an emotion..a manner of behaviour...that is sadly missing in many areas of life these days.
ReplyDeleteI was brought up to give respect to people, especially to the elderly. Nowadays, I'm sometimes shocked by the general lack of respect in our society.
Delete