Dusk view of the north shore in ikaria
A woman stands near her herb garden in Ikaria, Greece
A family at easter dinner in Ikaria, Greece
A bee keeper attends to honey bees
A couple on their wedding day in Ikaria, Greece
a 95 year old woman in Ikaria, Greece
Ikaría at Dusk

On the remote Greek island of Ikaría, people reach age 90 at several times the rate they do in the U.S. Instances of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are significantly lower, and dementia is rare. Dan Buettner traveled to Ikaría with a team of longevity experts to discover what makes this island one of the world’s Blue Zones.

The topography of the island, pictured here at dusk, makes physical activity a necessary part of the Ikarían lifestyle. Residents burn calories merely by walking from one place to another many times a day.

Photograph by Gianluca Colla

Blue Zone Photos: Ikaría, Greece

Why does a remote Greek island have one of the highest longevity rates in world? Find out how preserving traditions can lead to a longer life.

October 28, 2011

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