According to various studies and research, the five healthiest places in the world are cities where people not only live longer than the global population but also live longer than others who live in the same country. Living for a long time is not as desirable as living healthy and thriving for a long time. That is why we are studying other cultures and people to see what their secret is to longevity, happiness, and a sense of purpose in their later years.

Five Healthiest Cities in 2023

1. Okinawa, Japan:

The fact that Japan has the highest life expectancy of any nation on Earth may not be so surprising to some. 

Okinawa, the biggest island in a subtropical archipelago ruled by Japan, is where the world’s oldest women live. 

Okinawans live long and healthy lives thanks to basic foods such as Okinawan sweet potatoes, soybeans, mugwort, turmeric, goya (bitter melon), vegetables, tofu, and fish. Their food is low in calories and saturated fats. Moreover, Okinawans have strong community bonds, an active lifestyle, and a sense of purpose, contributing to their overall health.

The Okinawans refer to the all-encompassing “nourishing” experiences as “nuchi gusui,” which translates to “the medicine of life.” These include time spent with loved ones, acts of kindness, taking in lovely scenery, and indulging in delectable food.

The Okinawa Islands have a beautiful microclimate, rising from the water in a winding path toward Taiwan. According to Delicious, Okinawa has long been called the “Hawaii of Japan;” however, this isn’t its only nickname. 

Okinawa produces more centenarians than any other region in Japan; as such, it is referred to locally as the “Island of the Immortals.” This is attributed largely to a diet that is rich in tofu and seaweed, plus it is due to Ikigai. Ikigai is a spiritual driving force that can manifest as anything from dedication to a certain art form or to the care of one’s grandchildren.

What we can learn from them: Okinawans don’t ignore their elderly. The island’s elders have a sense of community, with pageants for the over-80s and social clubs known as moai. Social interaction plus great food and weather all play a role in the elderly’s lives, especially for women.

2. Sardinia, Italy (Ogliastra Region): 

Sardinia is an Italian island with steep, mountainous highlands. Sardinians eat a diet low in protein, which is linked to a lower incidence of diabetes, cancer, and death.

Sardinia has a high percentage of centenarians (people over 100). Their traditional Mediterranean diet, which includes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and moderate wine consumption, all plays a significant role in promoting heart health. Additionally, Sardinians maintain an active lifestyle, often walking or working on their farms.

Okinawa, Japan, is home to the world’s oldest women, and Sardinia, Italy, is home to the world’s oldest men. Many of them are 100 years old or older. Considering globally men generally live a shorter lifespan than women, plus considering Italy’s experience with COVID-19 not being a smooth one, this small island escaped both issues and is thriving with mountain goat energy.

What we can learn from them: Sardinians frequently leave their occupations at noon to have a leisurely, hearty lunch with their families. This is very similar to much of the South American culture. Workplace stress? Not as much as others. When these people awaken, their first thoughts are of their loved ones, not of how to advance at work.

3. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica: 

The bohemian peninsula of Nicoya is located just south of the Nicaraguan border, west of the Costa Rican capital San José. It is home to three and a half times more centenarians than the global average. 

This region of Central America showcases relatively low rates of heart disease, cancer, and dementia in its inhabitants. Their vibrant religious communities, extensive social networks, and low-intensity physical routines all play a role in how long they live.

The Nicoya Peninsula has the lowest middle-aged death rate in the world and the second-highest percentage of male centenarians are found. 

Their diet consists of nutrient-rich beans, coffee beans, corn, squash, and tropical fruits. Their strong social connections, regular physical activity from daily tasks, and emphasis on family values contribute to their well-being.

The water in Nicoya has the highest calcium level in all of Costa Rica. Further, there is vitamin D from the constant sun exposure. Away from the glistening beaches, it’s cowboy country for Nicoyans who are well into their 100s. They continue to ride horses across the countryside, full of fruit trees. People also follow a plan de vida, or “life plan,” akin to ikigai (same as Okinawans in Japan). It assists them in having direction in their latter years.

What we can learn from them: individuals in the Blue Zones, where people live the longest. They typically eat their smallest meal in the early evening and quit eating before they are entirely satisfied. This is similar to Nicoyans, and most of Latin America, whose light suppers typically consist of rice, beans, and corn.

4. Ikaria, Greece:

Ikaria is an eight-mile-long island off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea and has some of the world’s lowest rates of middle-age mortality and dementia. It was dubbed “The Isle Where People Forgot to Die” by The New York Times. Why would anyone ever want to leave a place with plenty of wine, gorgeous sea views, stray cats, and tight-knit communities? 

Incredibly, the population of the little Greek island of Ikaria not only outlives people nearly everywhere else on the planet but also almost entirely avoids dementia. How? 

It’s a combination of nutrition, exercise, and social interaction. Research links their increased longevity with their traditional Mediterranean diet, which is heavy in vegetables and healthy fats and contains smaller amounts of dairy and meat products. Furthermore, they frequently drink herbal teas. 

In addition to the people in Ikaria having a long life expectancy, they also have a low prevalence of chronic illnesses. Just leaving their homes requires exercise, as it almost always involves a bit of a climb. Then the close relationships they have with their neighbors play a major role. If someone does not show up at the neighborhood festival, a neighbor will come to the door and encourage you to come. Now that is a sense of belonging and being loved.

Overall, their secret is in their local diet, which includes fresh produce, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and herbal teas. Further, Ikarians live a laid-back lifestyle. They prioritize afternoon naps, exercise frequently through daily activities, and often have close relationships with others.

5. Loma Linda, California, USA: 

Loma Linda is home to a community of Seventh-day Adventists who experience significantly longer life expectancy.

This southern Californian community attributes its excellent health statistics to having the highest population worldwide of Seventh-day Adventists. Seventh-day Adventists are a Christian sect that promotes veganism, abstains from smoking, and advocates daily exposure to fresh air. 

The Adventists believe that a person’s physical health reflects their spiritual well-being. As such, the residents of the town observe a 24-hour Sabbath every week to prioritize rest, recuperation, religion, and family. Another principle of longer life is that it gives citizens a stronger support bubble later in life. This is the emphasis on volunteerism and community involvement.

Their diet is primarily plant-based, abstaining from meat and emphasizing legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Adventists practice a healthy lifestyle, engage in regular physical activity, avoid smoking and alcohol, and have strong community support.

What we can learn from them: A biblical diet of grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables will never stir you wrong. 

These places prioritize diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein. Their diets are combined with an active lifestyle, strong community bonds, and low-stress levels. These basic principles contribute to the exceptional health outcomes of the residents. You can still live and thrive even if you do not live in these cities.