The Oldest People In The World Come From These 7 Countries

Age demographics across countries are a fascinating thing. In countries in the world, people in all stages of life are connected by a common language, culture, and even cuisine.

These commonalities extend into less well-known factors as well, including life expectancies. Countries that are secure, offer a relaxed lifestyle, and can consistently provide high-quality food choices for their citizens often have residents reaching previously unheard-of ages.

In particular, five “Blue Zones” have been identified around the world. These are cities that have the highest life expectancies in the world. These small geographic regions within a country stand out for their healthy lifestyles, healthcare access, and incredibly long-living residents.

So which countries are home to these impressive Blue Zones? And what other countries have the oldest people in the world?

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7 Costa Rica

Average Life Expectancy: 80.3

With perfect white-sand beaches and tropical year-round temperatures, it’s no wonder people are eager to extend their years in Costa Rica.

With an average lifespan of just over 80 years, it seems its residents are doing just that. Particularly along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, home to jungles, palm beaches, and more, it seems locals are eager to extend their stay.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, is one of five Blue Zones worldwide. The average lifespan is 85 years, but it is not uncommon for locals to live to over 100.

As with all the Blue Zones, residents in Nicoya Peninsula and much of Costa Rica benefit from an active lifestyle, healthy diet, and positive community atmosphere.

6 United States

Average Life Expectancy: 80.9

Given the size of the United States, coming up with an accurate average lifespan can be very difficult. Different regions favor dramatically different diets and lifestyles, affecting overall lifespan.

Even with the variations, the US has an overall life expectancy of nearly 81 years. Some cities, including Blue Zone Loma Linda, California, exceed even that statistic.

Loma Linda residents live on average 8–10 years longer than most Americans, with an average life expectancy of 90 years.

The residents of Loma Linda are overwhelmingly Seventh-day Adventists, and as such follow a plant-based diet. More than half of those living in Loma Linda consider themselves either vegetarian or vegan, which has been credited as a major reason for the area’s long lives.

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5 Greece

Average Life Expectancy: 81.9

Another country with its own Blue Zone, Greece has long been associated with long living. The Mediterranean diet that dominates the region is full of fresh vegetables and low-fat fish, as well as whole grains and plant-based proteins.

Ikaria, a small Greek island in the Aegean Sea, is Greece’s Blue Zone, with over a third of residents living past 90 years old.

In addition to a healthy diet, Ikarians tend to have a lower rate of chronic illnesses, including cancer and dementia. The strong sense of community, with residents regularly gathering for celebrations and offering family support, further boosts the overall lifespan of the region.

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4 Italy

Average Life Expectancy: 83.0

Another country with a predominately Mediterranean diet, Italians have some of the longest lifespans of any country in Europe.

Italy’s infrastructure also indirectly helps its residents live longer, encouraging residents to walk more and drive less. The naturally active lifestyle, along with access to healthcare and nutritious food, is part of why there are so many great small towns to retire to in Italy.

Italy is also home to the fourth Blue Zone, the island of Sardinia. Villagers here regularly live past 100 years old, thanks largely to their more traditional lifestyle.

In Sardinia, residents still hunt for their meat and gather their own fruits and vegetables. Relying on their community for support, Sardinia offers a strong social network key to a long life.

3 Japan

Average Life Expectancy: 85.2

Japan has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and also one of the oldest populations in the world. More than 28% of Japan’s population is over 65, and it is the norm for residents to live past 80.

While the entirety of Japan is above average in terms of health and longevity, Okinawa is the pinnacle of long living in Japan. Okinawa, Japan is the world’s fifth official Blue Zone, with an average lifespan of 90 years.

In addition to the well-established factors that lead to longer lives, it is believed that the year-round temperate climate of Okinawa in particular encourages longer living. With so many things to do on the island of Okinawa, these long-living residents have plenty of ways to spend their days.

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2 Singapore

Average Life Expectancy: 86.7

While not home to a specific Blue Zone, Singapore has the second-longest life expectancy of any country in the world.

With an average lifespan of nearly 87 years, people in Singapore live well past the average retirement age. This doesn’t mean they disappear from society. It’s quite the opposite, in fact.

One of Singapore’s greatest strengths is the sense of community within the country. Numerous parks and other opportunities for gathering encourage residents to support one another throughout their lives.

Additional factors, like access to healthcare and a balanced diet, have turned the entirety of Singapore into an unofficial Blue Zone.

1 Monaco

Average Life Expectancy: 89.8

Monaco has the longest life expectancy of any country in the world, averaging just under 90 years. Unlike other Blue Zones, which are limited to a small part of the country, all of Monaco meets the “requirements” for Blue Zone classification.

Monaco has one of the highest standards of living of any country in the world, and prioritizes opportunities for residents to be active and enjoy the outdoors.

With a Mediterranean diet full of seafood, fresh fruit, and vegetables, people in Monaco enjoy one of the healthiest lifestyles in the world.

References: CIA.gov; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation; Stastica; World Health Organization