8 Longevity Tips From Ikaria, Greece

Looking for a little motivation to live healthier?  How about this: you can live longer.  Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest, was on Dateline tonight exploring the long living people of Ikaria, Greece.

There are a few things about their lifestyle that helps these people live longer and healthier lives.  So if you would like to still be gardening when you are 93, follow these tips:

1. Drink goat’s milk. The people of Ikaria regularly drink goat’s milk.  It is rich in tryptophan which is a natural anti-depressant.   80 percent of all people over 90 have consumed goat’s milk many times per week throughout their life.

2.  Live in the mountains. Living in a mountainous region leads to a more active lifestyle.  People naturally complete more physical activity which maintains weight and lowers risk of heart disease.

3.  Eat the Ikarian diet. The diet of these islanders is a variation of the Mediterranean diet that focuses on whole grains, veggies, fruits, olive oil,  beans, and low in meat and sugar. Uniquely, though, it’s lower in grains and fish, but high in potatoes.

4.  Eat lots of healthy greens. A major part of the diet is the consumption of many different greens that are full of nutrients and some contain more antioxidants than green tea or wine.  The greens grow abundantly in fields and on the side of the road, and Ikarians frequently eat wild green salads.

5.  Drink herbal tea. People in Ikaria regularly drink herbal tea.  The consumption of many herbal teas give the residents a boost in all the nutrients contained in herbal tea, which contain compounds that lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of heart disease and dementia.

6.  Get plenty of rest. They nap regularly on the island.  Napping 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes helps lower risks for diseases and helps keep your body primed to work during the best hours.

7.  Take your time. Time is not a priority on Ikaria.  There is no sense of urgency and people routinely fudge times and show up whenever they feel.  Remember there is no reason to rush and taking your time lowers heart-harming stress hormones.

8. Embrace community and family. The social aspect of your life is very important.  Keeping your family and extended family close is very important to health and it has been proven that social connections help longevity.

Check out the Blue Zones website for more longevity tips.  Here is to a looooooong and happy life!

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Tagged as: Ikaria, long life, longevity, tips