Secrets of centenarians from different parts of the world: Simple habits to live in joy

Imagine a place where people live for more than 100 years, staying active, happy and full of life. Such places exist, they are called “blue zones”. And today we will embark on a journey through these amazing corners of the planet to uncover their age-old secrets of longevity.



Amazing traditions of the "blue zones" of the planet
On the island of Okinawa in Japan, locals follow the principle of “ikigai” – the search for purpose in life. Here, 90-year-olds regularly work in the garden, practice traditional crafts and actively participate in community life. “Retirement? It's not for us, laughs Yumiko Higa, 92, a master of traditional ceramics.

“The secret to longevity is simple: you need to wake up every day with a purpose. When you have a reason to get up in the morning, you live longer, Yumiko said.


In the mountains of Sardinia, home to a surprisingly high number of centenarian men, locals follow a Mediterranean diet and lead an active lifestyle. They walk for miles daily on mountain trails, caring for the sheep, and gather in the evening at a common table to share a meal with family and friends.

Unexpected factors of longevity, confirmed by science

Recent research in the field of longevity presents amazing discoveries. Scientists from Harvard University found that social connections play a more important role in life expectancy than genetics. People with strong social ties live an average of 7-8 years longer than those who are socially isolated.

Another unexpected discovery is related to diet. In Costa Rica’s blue zone, locals practice the so-called “80 percent rule” – they stop eating when they feel 80 percent full. This simple rule, studies show, significantly reduces the risk of developing age-related diseases.

“We found that moderation in diet activates longevity genes and slows down the aging process at the cellular level,” explains Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher in gerontology.


How to adapt age-old wisdom to modern life

In our fast-paced modern world, it can seem difficult to follow the traditions of centenarians. However, experts argue that key principles can be easily integrated into urban life:

1. Create your ikigai Find a business that brings pleasure and benefit to others. It could be a hobby, a volunteer or a new project at work.

2. Practice mindful eating Introduce more plant foods, legumes and whole grain products into your diet. Eat slowly and in the company of loved ones.

3. Move naturally. Replace the elevator with stairs, park the car farther from the entrance, garden on the balcony.

4. Strengthen social ties Regularly meet with friends, participate in social events, create your “mohai” (support group) according to interests.

“It is important to understand that longevity is not only about the number of years lived, but also about their quality. A happy, meaningful life is the real secret of centenarians, says Professor Takeshi Sato, a gerontologist at the University of Tokyo.


The study of the “blue zones” continues to reveal new facets of understanding longevity. But one thing is already clear: the secret to a long and happy life lies not in expensive pills or complex diets, but in simple, but wise habits, tested for centuries. We can all begin to apply this wisdom today.