Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, USA, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, Ikaria Island, Greece

Where on Earth do people live much longer than average? Well, according to best-selling author Dan Buettner, there are five destinations in the world where populations live healthier and longer lives than others, areas he has identified as Blue Zones.

In each of these places people living to 90 or even 100 years old is common. But why is this so, and where are these modern-day Shangri-La's located?

Browse the gallery and take a look at the destinations where longevity is the norm.

Sardinia, Italy

The province of Ogliastra (much of which was incorporated into the province of Nuoro in 2016) is the least populous province of Italy. But it's a longevity hot spot where a substantial proportion of men reach 100.

The historical central-eastern region of Barbagia di Seulo was also identified for its aging population.

Ollolai, in the province of Nuoro, was included in the Blue Zone because it also numbers a population that includes men that have reached 100 years old.

Common lifestyle characteristics shared by the populations of these destinations include strong emphasis on family values, which are put ahead of other concerns, less smoking, and semi-vegetarianism.

Okinawa, Japan

Some of the longest living peoples in the world come from the Japanese islands of Okinawa, in the Pacific Ocean.

The clues to longevity in Okinawa point towards constant moderate physical activity—an inseparable part of life—regular social engagement, and limited or no alcohol consumption, among other qualities.

Not only are Blue Zones geographical areas where people live significantly longer than average, they are also regions where the population generally enjoy a better quality of life. In Okinawa, engagement in spirituality and religion also plays a key role in day-to-day living.

Loma Linda, USA

Loma Linda, a city in San Bernardino County, California, is the surprise inclusion on the Blue Zone list—Loma Linda residents have one of the highest rates of longevity in the United States!

The city strictly controls the sale of alcohol and has banned public smoking.

The church-owned grocery store does not sell meat or meat products. The church also owns the Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company, a leading manufacturer of health and vegetarian-related products, most prominently Weet-Bix.

Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

The isolated Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica is another Blue Zone region that produces a high rate of centenarians.

Nicoya Peninsula residents share similar lifestyle characteristics to those living in other Blue Zones. Here, moderate calorie intake, a plant-based diet, and next to no alcohol all contribute to the population's long life expectancy.

Residents pursue a simple lifestyle based on family, social engagement, and life purpose. Theirs is a welcoming community.

Ikaria Island, Greece

Anchored alone in the Aegean Sea, the Greek island of Ikaria (also spelled Icaria) has the highest percentage of 90-year-olds on the planet (about 1 in 3 are nonagenarians).

This is due to a Mediterranean diet (lots of fish and legumes), healthy lifestyle, and genetics.

An agreeable climate also plays its part. In fact, it's no coincidence that the five Blue Zones listed here all enjoy warm, sunny weather almost year-round.