The 4 things people who ‘live longest’ have in common – and it’s great news if you hate the gym

GLOBAL life expectancy averages out at around 72.

This means, of course, some people in the world are statistically more likely to enjoy a longer lifespan than others.

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People who defy their real age often have 5 things in commonCredit: Getty

For context, the average life expectancy in the UK in 80.

Five places, in particular, fall into the longevity category. 

These countries are nicknamed ‘blue zones’ and people who are lucky enough to reside there often live to 100.

The zones are in regions of Japan, Costa Rica, Italy, Greece, and California.

They include Loma Linda in California; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; or Nicoya in Costa Rica.

And according to author Dan Buettner, who pioneered the idea of Blue Zones, residents of those areas all have five core lifestyle traits in common.

1. They eat less meat and more carbs

People within these areas eat very little meat.

Instead they live off carb and veg filled diet of beans, nuts and cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cabbage, Dan says in his new book.

Blue Zone diets, are very similar to the healthy Mediterranean diet, which in recent years has been touted as the healthiest diet by nutritionists.

A Mediterranean diet is high in foods that are good for you, and low in naughty foods, such as those with a high sugar content.

This diet has been proven to be beneficial for the heart, even helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.

This is partly due to the foods having less ‘bad’ cholesterol, which is what builds up and clogs the arteries.

The NHS says: “The Mediterranean diet has been linked with good health, including a healthier heart.”

And it has also been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

2. They move every 20 minutes

We all know exercise is good for us.

But many struggle to find the time to go to the gym

However, Dan said people living in the Blue Zones don’t bother with rigorous exercise.

Instead, they end up practising small bursts or movement throughout the day, naturally by completing daily activities like gardening.

Studies have found that such little energetic busts throughout the day can do a lot for overall fitness.

One piece of research, published in 2023 revealed that taking the stairs each day can slash your risk of at least nine types of tumours.

The NHS says adults should do 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week, while kids should aim for an hour of activity per day.

3. They live with purpose

Having a reason to get up in the morning can also keep you alive for longer.

In Japan they call it “ikigai,” and in Costa Rica it’s a “plan de vida.”

Both translate roughly to “reason to live.”

Dan said both concepts help residents feel there’s a reason get up and get things done each day.

Having a sense of purpose is associated with fewer strokes and less frequent heart attacks among people with heart disease, studies suggest.

4. Accept helps from friends and family

A problem shared is a problem halved, as the old saying goes.

This is very much the mindset adopted In Japan’s Blue Zone.

People form social groups called “moai” to assist them through the high and lows of life.

“Parents cluster their children in groups of five, and send them through life together,” as Dan explained in a video.

“They support each other, and share life’s fortunes and woes.”  

In Loma Linda, California, Blue Zoners people are more likely to cook for one another and catch up over a home cooked meal than meet one another over a meal at a restaurant.

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