Ikaria has one of the highest proportions of individuals over 90, with one in three residents reaching this age. The island also features a significant number of centenarians and has a 50% lower rate of cardiovascular diseases compared to global averages (source: NCBI).
On December 16, 2024, Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR), the public radio service of Bavaria, aired an extensive report on the secrets of longevity among the residents of Ikaria. The 24-minute segment, titled “How to Live to 100? The Secret of Longevity,” was produced by journalist Bernd-Uwe Gutknecht for the morning information program “Radiowissen.” Gutknecht visited the island of Ikaria in October 2024 as part of a press trip organized by the Greek National Tourism Organization in collaboration with the Northern Aegean Tourism Directorate, aimed at exploring the topic and gathering testimonials from centenarians living there.
Community and Connection
In his report, Gutknecht highlights the strong sense of community that characterizes life on the island. Residents frequently gather in kafenia, or traditional cafés, and churches to discuss everyday matters, as well as larger existential questions about life and spirituality. He emphasizes the joy and exuberance that local festivals bring to the inhabitants. Furthermore, he touches upon the field of gerontology and the concept of “Blue Zones,” which refer to regions where a significant percentage of the population lives beyond the age of 90. This longevity is attributed to strong family ties, resilient social structures, healthy diets composed of local produce, and engaging in manual labor in the outdoors.
Humor and Acceptance as Stress Relievers
In a delightful part of the broadcast, humor shines among the elder residents of Ikaria. Their interactions are rich with laughter and camaraderie, playing a vital role in relieving stress. One local jokingly noted his daily responsibilities, stating, “What should I say? I have stress because I have 12 goats!” For them, laughter not only helps cope with responsibilities but also serves as a key component of their healthy lifestyle, contributing to their longevity.
Traditional Practices for Healthy Living
The exploration of traditional practices highlights their importance for health. Many elderly residents describe lifestyles that include drinking herbal teas made from local herbs and enjoying fresh vegetables from their gardens. One elder mentions, “We don’t think about what we eat; our garden takes care of that.” This reflects the normalcy of healthy living within their community.
Healthspanners vs. Immortalists
The broadcast presents insights from experts, including aging researcher Peter Tessarz. Specifically, the ideas of Healthspanners, who focus on promoting well-being as people age, are contrasted with those of Immortalists, who aim for eternal life. Tessarz’s work emphasizes that Healthspanners prioritize extending the time spent in good health, a principle that aligns with the lifestyles of the Ikarians.
Achieving Longevity
The secrets to longevity in Ikaria weave together cultural practices, strong community ties, and a positive outlook. Key Ikarian lessons include deep family bonds, robust social networks, healthy diets based on local produce, and active engagement in outdoor work. Ultimately, living a fulfilling life is not just about the number of years but about the quality of each moment.
Bayerischer Rundfunk is the fourth largest public broadcasting network in Germany, and the audience for this particular program, “Radiowissen,” is approximately 1.5 million listeners.
The report on Ikaria remains available as a podcast and as an online dossier at the following link:
https://www.br.de/mediathek/podcast/radiowissen/wie-wird-man-hundert-das-geheimnis-des-langen-lebens/2101000
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