Inside gorgeous UK islands where people live longer than anywhere else in nation | UK | News

A group of stunning islands have been voted the best place to grow old in the UK and, according to locals, there are four main reasons for their extraordinary longevity.

Research into Blue Zones, where the proportion of centenarians is disproportionate, has exploded this century. The designated areas are: Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, Nuoro Prefecture in Sardinia, Italy, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica and Ikaria Island in Greece, and Loma Linda in California, USA.

The best place to grow old in the UK, according to research from the Office for National Statistics earlier this year, shares many characteristics.

The study has named a beautiful cluster of islands as the healthiest spot for aging well in Britain. They have the highest life expectancy, representing the age residents can expect to live while maintaining their health.

The average age of Orkney, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland, was recorded as 72.9 years. Other regions in the UK barely exceed 60.

What lies behind Orkney’s extraordinary success?

According to reports, this is down to four key factors, according to locals who spend their entire lives breathing the island air. Mirror.

Experts agree that a strong sense of community is vital to living longer. After people stop working due to financial necessity, it is vital that they continue to find a sense of purpose.

Atlantic Health reports that maintaining meaningful connections with others has a significant impact on long-term health and longevity; This is another characteristic observed in Blue Zones, which tend to be close-knit communities.

Strong social ties have a profound impact on both physical and mental health; It lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and boosts cardiovascular health, while also protecting against depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Community spirit is something Orkney has in abundance.

Moira Kelday, 70, who runs Stenness Diamond Club, a social group for the over-60s, told i: “Society keeps us young. I don’t know anyone who has recently retired. People are volunteering and doing hobbies.”

Finally, diet is an obvious but important lifestyle factor that contributes to a longer, healthier life.

Donna Cuthbertson, 41, runs Orkney Dance and Fitness and specializes in working with older adults.

Having moved from Maidstone in Kent nine years ago with her husband, a police officer, she is well placed to compare the lifestyles of Orkney residents with those elsewhere in the country.

Donna noted that there are far fewer fast food options on the islands and no delivery services like Deliveroo or UberEats. There is also no McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast food chain.

Anyone desiring the famous golden arches will need to take a ferry or fly to mainland Scotland.

Donna adds: “Residents aren’t sitting on the m25 and coming home late to put a pizza in the oven. If stress levels are lower, then you’re eating better.”

Like those living in the Blue Zones, the Orkney Islands benefit greatly from their magnificent coastline.

The common feature of all of these locations is that they are on the coast or very close to the sea.

There are many reasons why living near the coast increases lifespan. Lesley Palmer, professor of dementia and aging design at the University of Stirling, said: “The links to the Blue Zones are appealing. There are similarities in resilience. [in the face of adverse weather/isolated lives]A lifestyle that encourages natural energetic movement, purpose and community.

“Blue Zones are coastal areas where daylight hours are high during the summer months.”

Additional benefits of coastal living include increased physical activity, reduced stress levels, and improved air quality.

Being active is equally vital to maintaining your health in old age, and Orkney residents are living proof of this.

Donna Cuthbertson told i: “Orkney is good for social connection – everyone looks out for each other.

“They’re also good at moving, getting outside, and even when they retire, they don’t stop. They’re not just doing cardio, they’re also doing muscular, functional movements.”

Experts agree that regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health and cognitive function while preserving muscle mass.

In Blue Zones, it is common for residents to walk to local shops and tend their gardens manually.