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Anastasia Balezdrova

When it comes to a Greek island most people imagine the picturesque sunset in Santorini, the nightlife in Mykonos, the beaches and the crystal clear water of Skiathos, Skopelos and Milos.

But here is a humble island that is a favourite destination for those who prefer the camping and the evenings around the fire on the beach and that became known throughout the world with something very different and significant. While only 0.1% of the European population lives over the age of 90, the inhabitants of the island of Ikaria over that age are ten times more.

What is their secret? According to the studies, fish, fruits, vegetables, pulses and tea protect the hearts and blood vessels of the inhabitants of Ikaria and chase away the depression of the elderly. The daily consumption of olive oil improves sexual activity. If we add the daily afternoon siesta and moderate consumption of coffee to all this then we might have the recipe for longevity of the islanders.

Ikaria, along with Sardinia and Okinawa are the three places in the world with the highest percentage of elderly people. The ranking of the "blue zones" as they are called includes also Loma Linda in California and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

The tests made so far show that the lifestyle of the people in Ikaria protects them from the onset of cardiovascular and cancer diseases. Scientists report that the Mediterranean diet, the mountain lifestyle and reducing stress are particularly important, but they have not found the exact mechanisms for this.

A group of professors of cardiology at the University of Athens presented the results of their study in Ikaria. Professor Christos Pitsavos analyzed its results for GRReporter readers.
 
"We started a large epidemiological study in Ikaria about two years ago in order to determine the characteristics of the people who die of cardiovascular disease of so great age and to explore how it is possible, what distinguishes them from the others and puts them in this very specific category of longevity.

It involved about 1,300 people, half of which were of great age; most were over 80 years old. It aimed not only to record their performance today, but also to identify the specific details that may distinguish them based on risk factors such as cardiovascular diseases, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and others.

We found that the inhabitants of Ikaria do not differ based on the risk factors from a particular number of people of a similar age and same sex living in Athens and other Mediterranean islands. Among them there are diabetics, they have high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease as all other Greek population, but the diseases occur 10 years later. "

Scientists say that it would take long to reveal the secrets of longevity. According to them, one of the reasons for the longevity of the inhabitants of Ikaria could lie in their genes.

"I will mention as an example that in the early 20th century the life of the Greek population lasted 50-55 years. The parents of the people in Ikaria who are now aged over 80 years died at the age of 75 for men on the average and 80 for women. This means that the inhabitants of Ikaria have reached the today’s life expectancy early in the 20th century. There could be a genetic cause, which determines longevity to some extent. "

According to the professor, another important factor is the harmonious and social way of life, which limits the occurrence of depression. Moreover, five out of ten elderly people observe the religious fasts.

Furthermore, the inhabitants of Ikaria have not abandoned their daily farm work and walks. 85% of the respondents said they do moderate physical activity every day.