We know it’s not possible to live forever (nor should anyone want to #boring), but it is totally possible to live longer than average, and a lot longer at that. No, we’re not going to tell you to start drinking avocado for breakfast, snacking on rice cakes for lunch, move into an apartment above a gym, run to work instead of bussing it or anything generic like that. Instead, we’re going to tell you to move.
That’s right. We’re going to tell you to up sticks and move to one of the healthiest places on earth; places that have super-optimistic outlooks on life, places that maintain low-stress levels, places where living comes with a sense of purpose, places where staying active and eating healthily are as natural as breathing in air.
So, without further ado, here are the five healthiest places to live on earth:
- New Zealand’s North Island
If there is one thing the Kiwi’s know how to do is play rugby. But living longer is a pretty close second. And the reason for this is their clean environment, their affordable healthcare system, the outdoorsy lifestyle that’s so infectious and the lack of unnecessary stress. They also have some super healthy foods on tap, from organic produce to fresh fish and whole foods. Yup. This is the place to be.
- California Dreaming
America hasn’t exactly got the best reputation when it comes to healthy living. But California is the exception. For the people here, living healthy lifestyles are found in the water and rolls out of the surf. It’s the perpetually sunny days, the long stretches of beach, locavore culture and outdoorsy therapy, all of which suggests you should sell your New York loft, head RMA Brokers and invest in a Californian ranch. After all, you can’t put a price on a longer-than-long life.
- Sardinia Holds Secrets
Nestled in the warm Mediterranean waters just off the Italian coast, there are 1.3 million people enjoying stress-free and simple lifestyles. There is no rushing around to catch the subway and no Deliveroo drivers to bring you takeaways. It’s healthy eating made up of whole grain flatbreads, fava beans, fresh tomatoes, olive oil and pecorino cheese. It’s soaking up the sun and walking everywhere. It’s sleeping in the afternoon and swimming in the morning. It’s the pinnacle of a relaxed living.
- Utterly Perfect Panama
Everyone has heard of Shangri-La, but only a handful of people know it’s found in the Volcano Region of Panama. We mean that literally. This is where the Shangri-La Valley is; a place teaming with thermal springs, locally grown fruit, organic vegetables, and an infectiously slow pace of life. It’s everything we’ve ever dreamed of.
- Ecuador Is Everything
There is a reason why Ecuador’s Valley of longevity makes this list, and it’s to do with healthy living and longer lives. The mountain air as clean as any on earth, the water is rich in minerals, the climate allows people to be outside all year round and the local produce is organic. It’s heaven on earth.
Author: Katie Whiteshaw