Everybody has his own theory about how to increase ones’ life expectancy. However, if we take examples from people living in areas of the world where whole populations live a long healthy life, we may be able to learn some things.

One such area is on a small, 99-square-mile, mountainous island in Greece called Ikaria. It has been found on the island that a very high percentage of it’s inhabitants outlive just about everyone else in the world, One in three members of it’s population are found to be reaching at least 90 and many of these Ikarians are living past 90 years.

Ikarians have about half the rate of heart disease and one-ninth the rate of diabetes than do Americans and there are around 20 percent fewer cases of cancer. To top this off, no Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia was found in the 90 year olds and older population.

Radioactive hot springs on Ikaria brought people to this harborless, wind-beaten island for it’s healing virtue in years past. It was claimed that the hot springs would bring relief for pain, cure joint problems and heal skin ailments.

Marauding pirates forced the Ikarians to move their villages inland, high up on the rocky slopes.

Over the years they adapted to this isolated mountainous terrain with no outside influences, which developed into a unique lifestyle. Their relentless optimism and a propensity for partying, both of which reduce stress became part of their distinctive outlook on life. Ikarians go to bed well after midnight, sleep late, and take daily naps. There is also reason to believe that most Ikarians over 90 are sexually active.

Here are 13 likely contributors to Ikarian longevity that have been uncovered. Some of which you may or may not agree with to be beneficial in increasing life’s expectancy. But, the results have proven themselves on this little island.

Graze on greens More than 150 varieties of wild greens grow on Ikaria. Some have more than ten times the level of antioxidants in red wine.

Sip herbal teas Steeping wild mint, chamomile, or other herbs in hot water is a lifelong, daily ritual. Many teas lower blood pressure, which decreases the risk of heart disease and dementia.

Throw out your watch Ikarians don’t worry about time. Work gets done when it gets done. This attitude lowers stress, which reduces the risk of everything from arthritis to wrinkles.

Nap daily Ikarian villages are ghost towns during the afternoon siesta, and science shows that a regular 30-minute nap decreases the risk of heart attack.

Walk where you’re going Mountainous terrain and a practice of walking for transport mean that every trip out of the house is a mini workout.

Phone a friend With the island’s rugged terrain, family and village support have been key to survival. Strong social connections are proven to lower depression, mortality, and even weight.

Drink goat’s milk Most Ikarians over 90 have drunk goat’s milk their whole lives. It is rich in a blood-pressure-lowering hormone called tryptophan as well as antibacterial compounds.

Maintain a Mediterranean diet Around the world, people who most faithfully stick to this region’s diet—a regimen high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish—outlive people who don’t by about six years. The Ikarian version features more potatoes than grains (because they grew better in the mountains) and more meat than fish (because the sea was a day’s journey away).

Enjoy some Greek honey The local honey contains antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. (Unfortunately, the health benefits of Ikarian honey do not extend to American honey, as far as we know.)

Open the olive oil Ikaria’s consumption of olive oil is among the world’s highest. Residents drizzle antioxidant-rich extra-virgin oil over food after cooking, which preserves healthful properties in the oil that heat destroys.

Grow your own garden (or find farmers’ markets) Fruits and vegetables eaten soon after picking are higher in compounds that decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Get religion Ikarians observe Greek Orthodox rituals, and regular attendance at religious services (of any kind) has been linked to longer life spans.

Bake bread The island’s sourdough bread is high in complex carbohydrates and may improve glucose metabolism and stave off diabetes.

Do Ikarians possess the true secret to longevity? Well, some combination of their habits is helping them live significantly longer than Americans, who live on average to age 78. We can’t guarantee that Ikarian wisdom will help you live to 100. But, it may help you outlive your doctor.

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