Inside remote Greek island where locals ‘live forever’ thanks to stress-free life and sex into old age
A REMOTE Greek island is home to locals who "live forever" thanks to a stress-free life and sex into old age.
Those searching for the fountain of youth should look no further than the 99-square mile island of Ikaria.
Known as the island of longevity, one in three of its residents make it to their 90s.
And the picturesque haven claims to have more nonaganerians than any other place on the planet.
They not only live longer, but better than the majority of other nations, where it concerns their health.
But what is the secret to their long and prosperous life?
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Ikarians follow a different lifestyle compared to most people in big cities.
A University of Athens School of Medicine study analysed the diet of hundreds of Ikarians, finding they consumed plenty of beans and fish - and ate meat only about five times a month.
They also found that Ikarians consumed pesticide-free greens grown in their own gardens.
The Ikaria Study also found the elderly islanders had a diet low in refined sugar but high in olive oil.
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They noted the islanders consumed two to three cups of coffee and two to four glasses of wine a day.
And residents lived longer before they were beset with cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia and depression.
Backed by , bestselling author and longevity Dan Buettner visited the island and uncovered another clue to their long-lasting, happy lives.
During their interviews conducted with Ikarians over 90, most claimed to still be sexually active.
Mr Buettner described the picturesque paradise as an "island of gods and immortals" where people "don't count the years".
Scientific studies have also found that locals were also found to nap often and drink herbal tea.
And the islanders' use of unheated olive oil was thought to raise good cholesterol.
They often consumed goat's milk used in feta which contained tryptophan, which boosts the so-called "happy chemical" serotonin.
And one of the simplest reasons as to why Ikarians lived so long was that the islanders were simply relaxed and happy in life, according to scientific studies.
Ikarians also benefit from an outdoor lifestyle in tune with nature where "stress and loneliness are almost non-existent", reports National Geographic.
Their tight-knit communities and self-sufficient lives have also contributed to the islanders famed health.
The island is one of the world's five Blue Zones, which are regions of the world where people routinely surpass average global life expectancy.
The Japanese island of Okinawa, claimed to be home to the world's longest-lived women is one.
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Costa Rica's Nicoya Pensinsula and Italian tourism beauty spot Sardinia also make the list.
And Loma Linda in California is also renowned for its healthy living.
