Extending the Blue Zone Model: New Destinations for Quality of Life and Sustainable Mobility 

According to the Expat Insider 2025 survey¹, lifestyle considerations have emerged as a leading motivation for global relocation. Nearly one in five expatriates (19%) identify lifestyle as their primary reason for moving abroad, surpassing the 18% who relocate for career opportunities. 

Within this group, 7% seek a higher quality of life, while others cite adventure (5%), enjoyment of living abroad (4%), or preference for a specific destination (4%). These results indicate that quality-of-life factors, such as climate, leisure, environment, and culture, are becoming central in relocation decisions, often outweighing economic incentives. 

In light of these trends, this briefing examines Blue Zones – areas renowned for exceptional longevity, high quality of life, sustainability, and notably, above-average male life expectancy in some of the areas. The latter criterion is particularly significant given the persistent female longevity advantage² observed globally. Importantly, these areas also demonstrate reduced environmental footprints, serving as models for sustainable living practices that other countries might emulate. 

While people can choose from countless destinations worldwide, our research identifies unique regions that mirror the lifestyle principles and longevity-driven values of the renowned Blue Zones. Through a systematic evaluation, we highlight areas distinguished by their exceptional quality of life, nutritious and sustainable food systems, active living environments, and strong community ties. All key contributors to health and longevity. 

Beyond lifestyle, these regions also stand out for offering immigration pathways tailored to retirees, digital nomads, and investors, effectively linking relocation opportunities with the pursuit of a longer, healthier life. From this analysis, regions in Spain, Portugal, and Turkey emerge as the most promising candidates, combining cultural richness, well-being, accessible residence options, and longevity-oriented living environments. 

“Blue Zones” is the term and trademark used to identify the world’s longest-living communities and the shared lifestyle factors that contribute to their remarkable longevity. In essence, a Blue Zone (BZ) refers to a small, culturally cohesive geographic area where residents share similar habits, environments, and social norms and where life expectancy has been scientifically proven to be exceptionally high³.  

The concept of Blue Zones is grounded in extensive research and empirical observation. The idea was popularized by Dan Buettner and his team of scientists, who identified specific areas distinguished by an unusually high number of centenarians and remarkably low incidences of chronic illness⁴. The term Blue Zone itself was originally coined by Michel Poulain and Gianni Pes, who used it to describe a region of exceptional longevity in Sardinia’s Nuoro province. The demographers identified Nuoro as a demographic outlier, noting numerous villages with exceptional concentrations of centenarians. This anomaly was attributed to low migration, a stable gene pool, and the preservation of traditional lifestyles that needed further observation⁴.  

As of 2025, the officially recognized blue zones are: 

Globally, life expectancy at birth now stands at around 73 years, marking a steady recovery after the pandemic. As demonstrated below, the current life expectancy worldwide is 73.3 years. The chart displayed below shows the global average across the years from 1960 to 2023.  

Across advanced economies, life expectancy remains among the highest worldwide. In Europe, the average was at 81.4 years in 2023 (women: 84.0; men: 78.7), slightly above pre-COVID levels and continuing a gradual upward trend⁵. Meanwhile, the United States reached 78.4 years (women: 81.1; men: 75.8), showing signs of recovery and aligning more closely with other developed regions⁶. According to World Bank estimates for 2023⁷, life expectancy also varied across other regions, averaging 74.7 years in the Middle East and North Africa, 75.6 years in Latin America and the Caribbean, 76.7 years in East Asia and the Pacific, and 62.6 years in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting persistent regional disparities yet a continued global trend toward longer lifespans. 

The female longevity advantage remains a universal feature, with women living approximately 5,2 years longer than men⁸, a consistent pattern observed in both the EU and the U.S. Women’s longevity advantage arises from a combination of biological and behavioral factors. From birth, females exhibit lower infant mortality, partly due to stronger immune responses and the protective effect of two X chromosomes. Across adulthood, men face higher mortality from external causes such as accidents, violence, and occupational risks, while later in life, chronic diseases claim more male lives often linked to riskier behaviors like smoking and alcohol use⁹.

While these figures highlight global progress in longevity, blue zones stand out for achieving exceptional life spans beyond national averages. They also offer valuable insights into the social, environmental, and lifestyle factors that promote healthy aging. 

The term Blue Zone comes from the blue ink researchers used to circle these longevity hotspots on their maps¹⁰.  

Populations in Blue Zones share a distinctive lifestyle rooted in balance, community, and purpose. Their daily lives are shaped by close social bonds, meaningful activity, and environments that naturally encourage movement and well-being. Diets are simple and largely plant-based, reflecting local traditions and moderation. Underlying these patterns is a strong sense of belonging and purpose, qualities that foster both emotional resilience and longevity.  

Together, these interwoven elements cultivate not only long-life expectancy but also a high quality of life marked by fulfillment, balance, and holistic well-being. 

At the heart of every Blue Zone lies the Power 9 – a set of nine lifestyle principles uncovered by Dan Buettner that reveal how ordinary habits can lead to extraordinary longevity¹¹: 

Interestingly, many long-lived populations reside in mountainous or isolated regions. Such environments shape a combination of factors influencing longevity, including individual behaviors (diet and physical activity), social structures (community support, local economy, lifestyle), and environmental conditions (low pollution, high-quality water)³.  

Sardinia 

Italian researchers launched the AKEA project in Sardinia in 1999, to examine the determinants of exceptional longevity. Owing to its geographic isolation and genetic homogeneity, the island offered a natural laboratory for such studies.  

At the time of the study, researchers observed that centenarians were more common, particularly in the mountainous province of Nuoro, than in most other European countries with about 16.6 per 100,000 people, compared with 10 per 100,000 elsewhere. They also noted that the female-to-male ratio was roughly 2:1, which is much narrower than in previous studies, where women typically outnumber men by five to one or more¹². 

Defining feature: The gender gap in longevity is unusually small, with men living nearly as long as women. 

Okinawa 

Okinawa, Japan has long been known for its exceptional longevity. Since 1963, the prevalence of female centenarians has consistently been higher than in Japan as a whole, with life expectancy at 65 and 80 years surpassing all other Japanese prefectures and even selected countries¹³. Researchers suggest that this longevity is closely tied to traditional dietary habits marked by low caloric intake and a high consumption of plant-based foods. The Okinawan diet features tofu, vegetables, and purple sweet potatoes, alongside local dishes such as champuru (a stir-fry made with bitter melon, cabbage, bamboo shoots, and seaweed) and nbushi (a stew of vegetables like daikon, luffa, or pumpkin cooked with miso)¹⁴.  

Defining feature: Longevity rooted in a low-calorie, nutrient-dense traditional diet. 

Loma Linda  

Loma Linda, California, represents the only Blue Zone in the United States and is home to a large Seventh-day Adventist community known for exceptional longevity. Adventist men live 7.28 years longer (95% CI: 6.59–7.97) and women 4.42 years longer (95% CI: 3.96–4.88) than other white Californians, giving them among the highest life expectancies ever recorded¹⁵. It is important to note that Loma Linda has not undergone the same level of demographic validation as other Blue Zones, longitudinal studies show that its residents live four to seven years longer than average Californians. This outcome is attributed to faith-based, health-conscious behaviors rooted in Adventist doctrine, namely a predominantly vegetarian diet, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, regular physical activity, and a strong sense of community and spirituality. Unlike geographically or ancestrally driven Blue Zones, Loma Linda’s longevity reflects intentional lifestyle choices rather than environmental factors¹⁴. 

Defining feature: Faith-based habits driving longevity independent of geography.

Nicoya 

Nicoya, Costa Rica, is a noted longevity area where men, interestingly, live longer than national and global averages. A follow-up of 16,300 elderly Costa Ricans (1990–2011) found a male death rate ratio (DRR) of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69–0.93). Moreover, Nicoyan men are seven times more likely to reach 100 than Japanese men and live 2.2 years longer on average¹⁶.  

Their traditional diet, rich in rice, beans, corn, and moderate meat consumption, features a low glycemic index and high fiber content, with limited milk intake and minimal reliance on medication even among those at risk. Environmental and social factors further enhance health: calcium-rich water and strong community ties complement the region’s universal healthcare and effective social support systems, reinforcing Nicoya’s reputation as one of the world’s most resilient aging populations¹⁴. 

Defining feature: Male-centered longevity driven by heart health, nutrient-rich diet, and strong social cohesion. 

Ikaria 

Ikaria, Greece, a small island in the Aegean Sea with just about 8,500 inhabitants. Most Ikarians live according to a traditional Mediterranean lifestyle, characterized by natural physical activity, low stress, and a strong sense of community. Their relaxed approach to life, marked by indifference to material wealth and daily afternoon naps, has been linked to lower coronary mortality. The Ikarian diet centers on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, legumes, local wine, herbal teas, and honey, with traditional dishes like soufiko – a vegetable stew made with eggplant, peppers, beans, and tomatoes¹⁷. Studies show that Ikaria’s oldest residents maintain strong functional abilities, few chronic illnesses, and high self-perceived well-being, underscoring the island’s model of healthy aging. 

Defining feature: Healthy ageing rooted in communal living, daily physical activity, and a balanced Mediterranean diet. 

As described, Blue Zones emphasize predominantly plant-based diets (around 95%) centered on beans, greens, and whole grains, which emit far fewer greenhouse gases than meat-heavy systems. COP30’s agriculture and adaptation tracks align with this goal by targeting deforestation-driven emissions and promoting sustainable food systems. In these communities, residents also walk extensively, garden organically, and integrate movement into daily life, fostering resilience and low-carbon lifestyles. 

While fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) air pollution remains a major global concern, the World Health Organization¹⁸ notes that improving air quality could prevent millions of premature deaths each year and substantially enhance life expectancy. Whereas, nature-rich environments encourage mental and physical health, offering stress relief and opportunities for physical activity, while also reducing exposure to air pollutants, noise, and excess heat. Together, these benefits contribute to lower rates of chronic disease and mortality¹⁹.  

Urban design further reinforces these patterns. A large-scale U.S. study²⁰ of more than two million smartphone users across 1,609 cities found that moving to a more walkable area increased daily walking by an average of 1,100 steps – a sustained improvement across ages, genders, and body types. These results show that more walkable environments inspire movement, improve well-being, and create lasting public health benefits.  

These insights highlight the critical link between resilient infrastructure and everyday health. 
This emphasis is also reflected in COP30’s²¹ commitment to cities that promote walkability, social connection, and low stress. Collectively, they affirm that healthy, sustainable environments not only extend life but enrich it, positioning environmental quality as a foundation for global well-being. 

As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, such regions offer a compelling lens to understand how environmental stability sustains both planetary and human health. The human dimension of climate resilience underscores that protecting ecosystems and improving environmental quality are essential for longevity, well-being, and overall life satisfaction. 

Environmental health indicators, spanning air quality, biodiversity, and food security discussed in the section below, further demonstrate how environmental quality directly influences population health. Clean air, thriving ecosystems, and accessible green spaces foster more active, less stressed, and healthier communities. 

It is now worthwhile to explore other regions of the world to identify potential Blue Zone-like areas with a focus on Europe and the Caribbean. The following locations exhibit a favorable combination of climate, diet, physical activity, and lifestyle factors that contribute to exceptional longevity. These regions also represent compelling options for individuals considering relocation, including retirees, digital nomads, and investors, since they offer high quality of life standards that make international moves more feasible. 

Europe: 

Spain  

Basque Country (Bilbao & San Sebastián): Spain is among the global leaders in longevity, with an average life expectancy of 84 years. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Basque Country, where demographic data from 2022 recorded over 1,400 centenarians: 86% of whom were women²². Moreover, forests account for about 37% of national territory The region’s health profile is shaped by a hybrid Mediterranean-Atlantic lifestyle characterized by a nutrient-dense diet rich in fish, legumes, vegetables, and olive oil, with minimal reliance on processed foods or red meat. 

Cultural habits such as the paseo –leisurely evening walks, and widespread use of bicycles and pedestrian routes for daily activities further reinforce natural physical movement. Importantly, social cohesion is a defining feature: most older adults in the Basque Country remain integrated in multi-generational households. As of 2019, only 12% of the population lived alone, and among those, 43% were aged 65 and over²³. These figures reflect one of the lowest elderly isolation rates in Europe, underscoring the region’s strong interpersonal networks that support healthy ageing. 

Galicia (Ourense Province): In Galicia’s rural northwest, particularly in Ourense province, researchers have noted an unusually high concentration of centenarians. By the time of the research, 10% of all Spanish citizens over 100 live in this corner of the country²⁴. This region is currently being studied as a potential Blue Zone²⁵ due to its traditional agrarian lifestyle, characterized by diets rich in legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and moderate amounts of meat or fish. Physical activity remains integrated into daily routines, with many older adults continuing to engage in farming or walking across the region’s hilly terrain. Strong family networks and intergenerational living arrangements also contribute to social cohesion and support among the elderly. 

2023 data from the Galician Institute of Statistics (IGE) reports 261 individuals aged 100 or more residing in Ourense. A 2024 study²⁶ of those centenarians found that 88% of centenarians in the province maintain personal vegetable gardens, and Ourense holds the highest number of self-sufficient gardens per capita in Spain.

Based on 2022 data, a lower Ecological Footprint relative to Biocapacity indicates a sustainable surplus, fostering long-term ecological stability. 

Portugal  

Azores (São Miguel Island): The Azores, a remote Atlantic archipelago, are known for their very mild climate and lush green landscapes. This environment supports an abundance of locally grown foods – the islands protect a traditional “way of life” that includes famed local wine, honey, pineapples, and cheeses. The archipelago is also considered to be one of the greenest destinations²⁷. On São Miguel, villagers still practice farm-to-table living, eating an Atlantic diet that prioritizes fresh fish, moderate amounts of meat and dairy, and plenty of seasonal vegetables and legumes²⁸. Such a diet provides ample omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants conducive to healthy aging. Life in the Azores also involves constant natural exercise: tending gardens, herding cows, hiking volcanic hills, or just walking to the market in town. The development is minimal, with only 5% of land built-up, preserving natural spaces that support farming and daily outdoor activity²⁹. 

The combination of unspoiled nature, traditional diet, and close-knit island communities makes São Miguel a compelling Blue Zone candidate. 

Madeira (Funchal & Surroundings): Madeira Island, located in the North Atlantic, benefits from a mild subtropical climate that supports year-round production of fruits, vegetables, and pulses. The regional diet aligns closely with the Atlantic diet model, emphasizing locally sourced fish, olive oil, legumes, and minimally processed foods, patterns associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and healthy aging. The island’s steep terrain and network of levada trails encourage routine physical activity, even among older adults, while strong family ties and intergenerational support remain embedded in local social life.  

According to the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira (DREM)³⁰, between 2021 and 2023, life expectancy in Madeira reached 79.1 years, with 21% of the population aged 65+, reflecting an aging trend comparable to existing Blue Zones.  

Greece  

Sparta & Mystras (Peloponnese): In the countryside around Sparta and the historic town of Mystras, Greeks adhere to a classic Mediterranean way of life. Greece in general enjoys an average life expectancy around 82 years, thanks in large part to the renowned Mediterranean diet and active lifestyle. In the Eastern Peloponnese, life expectancy mirrors the national average: 83.7 years for women and 78.1 for men as of 2021 figures³¹.  

In Laconia locals consume large amounts of olive oil, wild greens, garden vegetables, whole-grain breads, and moderate amounts of goat cheese and wine – all staples known to reduce chronic disease and promote longevity³². The mild climate allows farming and outdoor labor year-round, so even in old age people remain active tending olive groves or vineyards. 

Turkey 

Muğla: Located on Turkey’s Aegean coast, Muğla stands out as one of the country’s longest-lived regions, with a life expectancy of 84.0 years for women, 77.7 years for men, and an overall average of 80.7 years³³. The province enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm but not extreme summers, supporting year-round outdoor living. The Aegean diet, centered on olive oil, legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and seafood, closely mirrors the nutritional model of Blue Zones like Ikaria, Greece, providing protective benefits for heart health and longevity. Daily life in seaside towns such as Datça and Akyaka encourages walking, swimming, and community gatherings, fostering both physical activity and social cohesion. Abundant outdoor activity and a strong sense of community render it expat-friendly, especially among long-term retirees from the EU and UK. With its combination of traditional diet, active lifestyle, and close-knit community ties, Muğla exemplifies how environment and culture together can nurture long, healthy lives and offers an especially appealing setting for wellness-minded expats seeking a Mediterranean pace of life. 

Caribbean: 

Cuba  

Havana and Coastal Areas: Cuba’s Caribbean climate enables year-round outdoor activity, contributing to high levels of informal physical movement such as walking, dancing, and community engagement. The traditional Cuban diet, centered on rice, beans, vegetables, and fruits, is low in ultra-processed foods and aligned with plant-forward nutritional patterns associated with chronic disease prevention. Social cohesion remains strong, supported by multigenerational living and dense community networks, particularly in urban and coastal areas like Havana. Life expectancy at birth in Cuba reached 78.3 years in 2024, exceeding the regional average for the Americas and reflecting an increase of 2.4 years since 2000³⁴.  

Barbados 

Bridgetown & South Coast: The tropical climate and coastal geography in Barbados foster regular outdoor activity, with residents often engaging in walking, gardening, and other forms of low-intensity physical movement. The local diet emphasizes fresh fish, particularly flying fish, alongside green vegetables and tropical fruits, aligning with dietary models associated with improved cardiometabolic outcomes. Community-based social structures remain strong, especially in coastal areas where intergenerational ties and religious participation contribute to elderly social engagement. 

Barbados has one of the oldest population age profiles in the Caribbean. The proportion of adults aged 65 and over increased from 10.6% in 1980 to 16.7% in 2020, and is projected to reach 29.1% by 2060, underscoring the relevance of aging-focused health systems and preventive lifestyle factors³⁵.  

Grenada 

“Spice Isle” of the Caribbean: Grenada’s gentle climate and fertile soil support an abundance of fresh produce and world-famous spices. Forest area covers approximately 52% of the country’s land (2022–2023)³⁶, exceptionally high for a small island nation. The Grenadian diet centers on natural, home-grown foods: people commonly “flavor foods with local fresh seasoning and spices” as the healthier choice, leading to dishes rich in turmeric, nutmeg, greens, and other antioxidant-packed ingredients. With a largely rural population, many Grenadians engage in farming, fishing, and walking in hilly terrain as part of daily life. Social ties remain strong thanks to close-knit villages and traditions of helping neighbors. 

Thus, Galicia, the Azores, Madeira, and Muğla demonstrate empirically grounded Blue Zone characteristics, including dietary patterns, physical activity, community cohesion, and natural environments conducive to low stress and high well-being. Greece, especially Sparta, similarly reflects many traditional Mediterranean traits linked to longevity. The Caribbean islands share several of these advantages, with vibrant social life and naturally active lifestyles, though it is important to keep in mind that some structural and economic factors may influence the consistency of these benefits in the Caribbean. 

Moreover, according to World Bank data (PM₂.₅ mean annual exposure, 2020)³⁷, Portugal (8 µg/m³) and Spain (10 µg/m³) record the cleanest air quality among all regions studied, well below the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 10 µg/m³. Greece (14 µg/m³) shows moderate but still healthy levels. Turkey (22 µg/m³), Barbados (24 µg/m³), and Grenada (≈22 µg/m³) register higher concentrations, indicating fair air quality. Meanwhile, Cuba (44 µg/m³) ranks the highest, reflecting more substantial particulate exposure. 

Walkable environments that encourage movement, social connection, and low stress are central to the health and longevity benefits observed in Blue Zones. These qualities not only enhance well-being but also make such regions increasingly desirable places to live. Beyond their cultural richness and natural beauty, many Blue Zone and Blue Zone–inspired regions now align with leading residence- and citizenship-by-investment (RBI/CBI) destinations, offering structured pathways for relocation. 

Moreover, for retirees seeking a slower pace of life, digital nomads prioritizing balance and community, and investors drawn to long-term sustainability, these areas present compelling opportunities to integrate lifestyle and investment goals. 

Thus, Portugal’s Golden Visa grants access to its autonomous regions, including the Azores and Madeira, both offering a high quality of life rooted in community and nature. Greece’s Golden Visa opens doors to longevity-linked areas like Ikaria and Sparta, where strong social ties and Mediterranean diets reflect Blue Zone principles. Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment program provides entry to coastal areas such as Muğla, an emerging hub blending wellness-oriented living with strategic investment potential.  

Likewise, Caribbean nations like Grenada and Barbados combine lifestyle appeal with inclusive RCBI frameworks that promote environmental stewardship and community well-being connected with the values that define Blue Zone longevity. 

Overall, as suggested by Appel “Blue Zones, now limited to just a few populations in the world, can become commonplace”. The key question is how insights from these regions can be applied to promote healthy ageing in post-industrial societies³. Buettner’s aim was to uncover principles that could guide the creation of healthier communities and promote longer, better lives³⁸. 

Regional concentrations of centenarians were not the primary criterion when identifying potential Blue Zone-like destinations, due to insufficient localized demographic data for all areas. Instead, greater emphasis was placed on lifestyle, climatic, and socio-cultural factors that are empirically associated with longevity and well-being. 

However, in determining the final selection of regions, country-level indicators were reviewed to ensure contextual validity and comparability. These included: 

• Life Expectancy: Life expectancy data derived from the World Bank representing national longevity trends. 
• Quality of Life: Based on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), reflecting health, education, and living standards. 
• Climate: Derived from regional research and standardized using a Likert-scale assessment to evaluate environmental suitability for healthy, outdoor-oriented lifestyles. 

There are regions that exhibit strong alignment with the defining characteristics of the world’s Blue Zones, reflecting both lifestyle and environmental factors associated with longevity and well-being. The findings in this article indicate that certain areas within Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and the Caribbean combine high quality of life, sustainable environments, and cohesive social structures that support healthy ageing. 

The regions identified (from Galicia and Madeira to Mugla, the Azores, and parts of the Caribbean) exemplify this shift. Their social and environmental fabric naturally sustains long, healthy lives: communities centered on trust and belonging, local food systems that encourage plant-based nutrition, and daily routines that integrate physical activity and social interaction. These elements combine to form living environments where well-being is not an aspiration but a cultural norm. 

This intersection of longevity and sustainability gains even greater relevance as the world looks toward COP30 and the challenges of climate adaptation. The same qualities that promote longer, healthier lives, such as clean air, walkable towns, community engagement, and low-carbon lifestyles, also strengthen environmental resilience. In this way, the pursuit of personal well-being becomes inseparable from the collective goal of ecological balance, illustrating how the health of people and the planet can advance together. 

Increasingly, mobility is not guided solely by economic opportunity but by the search for environments that foster health, longevity, and connection. Across the globe, individuals are seeking places where they can enjoy a higher quality of life, grounded in clean environments, access to nature, nutritious diets, and strong community ties that support both physical and emotional well-being. In the end, the rise of regions that mirror the characteristics of the world’s Blue Zones signals a deeper transformation in how people choose where and how to live.  

Ultimately, these emerging Blue Zone–like destinations invite a rethinking of what global mobility represents. Rather than simply a means of financial diversification or access to new markets, relocation is increasingly viewed as an investment in a better, more sustainable life.