It is known that Ikaria is a global phenomenon of longevity, since its inhabitants are distinguished for their... many good years. The island has several times been the subject of scientific studies, which attempt to discover the secrets that ensure this unique, enviable, privilege.
The Mediterranean diet, physical exercise and strong social ties are the main causes, according to a study curated by Christina Chrysochou, cardiologist, Director of the NHS, and Christodoulos Stephanadis, professor of cardiology.
The scientific data showed that Ikaria, along with Sardinia, Loma Linda in Mexico, Nicoya in Costa Rica and Okinawa in Japan, are the regions with the highest rates of superannuation in the world, referred to as "blue zones", as the percentage of the population living over 90 years is about ten times the European average life expectancy, while maintaining a good quality of life.
At the same time, the 1st University Cardiology Clinic of the University of Athens, headed by Professor Christodoulos Stephanadis, has launched the "Ikaria" study (IKARIA Study), which records the clinical and paraclinical characteristics, as well as the daily habits of middle-aged and elderly residents of Ikaria.
The aim of the study is to determine how daily habits can influence the risk of cardiovascular disease in middle-aged and elderly populations, thus providing a tool for improving the quality of life, but also for making better use of existing health care resources, especially in inhabitants of isolated island regions such as Ikaria.
The elderly "lead the way"
The initial findings of the study, which included 673 older people (average age 75, of whom 49% were men) and 657 younger people (average age 54, 46% men), permanent residents of the island, came up with some very interesting findings, among others:
What seems to distinguish the older residents of Ikaria is the type of diet they follow, which more often includes fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, herbal infusions and tea, than the diet of the younger people. Adoption of a healthier diet was more common among older people on Ikaria (68% among older men over 80 years old and 64% among older women), compared to similar aged people in urban areas of Greece, as well as other Mediterranean island populations.
In addition, 50.5% of Ikaria's seniors reported observing a religious fast. It is also noteworthy that older people tend to take midday rest (75%) more often than younger people, with lower rates of depression.
Among older people, those who followed a Mediterranean-style diet more often had a lower incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, and frequent weekly fish consumption was also associated with better preservation of vascular elasticity, i.e. better vascular age.
Adoption of the Mediterranean diet was shown to have beneficial effects even in diabetic elderly people, as it improves glycaemic control and aortic distensibility (the elasticity of blood vessels). In addition, it also appears to reduce elevated blood uric acid levels, which lead to the development of gout.
Similarly, the daily use of olive oil has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the sex life of older people, with better satisfaction rates with their sexual activity. Characteristically, in a population of 284 elderly men, aged 65 to 99 years, who completed the special questionnaire on sexual activity, 60% reported at least moderate self-confidence during sexual intercourse, while 50% reported completion of intercourse.
Regarding coffee consumption, moderate consumption (1-2 cups) of Greek coffee daily was also associated with better maintenance of vascular elasticity.
Depression rates among elderly Ikarians were among the lowest compared to other elderly populations, with symptoms of severe depression recorded in 4% of elderly men and 9% of elderly women.
As expected, older people with high levels of depression had a higher rate of cardiometabolic syndrome, fewer years of schooling, higher rates of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, and worse levels of physical activity, compared to people with the lowest rates of depression
This finding is supported by other international studies, which demonstrate the adverse effect of depression on cardiovascular health. However, in the elderly subjects of the Ikaria study, more frequent consumption of fish (3-5 servings per week) was shown to improve depression rates.
In addition, this fish consumption also seemed to help maintain good kidney function, even in people with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Physical exercise: The key to health
In terms of exercise, 85% of participants reported moderate engagement in physical activity. According to the data, engagement in walking and farm work, which the older people in the study exhibited, improves body weight and reduces the occurrence of cardiovascular events, and reduces the amount of heart mass growth even in overweight/obese people. This was more pronounced in women.
In addition, daily physical activity among the elderly (over 80 years of age) appears to be associated with a 54% lower chance of cardiovascular disease, as well as a smaller waist circumference (an indicator of central obesity), lower incidence of diabetes mellitus and higher HDL (good) cholesterol.
Regular physical activity is also associated with increased testosterone levels in older people, thus offering greater cardiovascular protection. This is because increased testosterone levels are associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic syndrome, as well as a significantly lower concentration of inflammatory markers associated with the onset and prognosis of atherosclerosis.
Finally, it is also associated with greater mental alertness, as older people who were physically active on a daily basis were more likely (eight times more likely) to maintain good cognitive function.
The role of an active social life
What seems to characterise older people in Ikaria is close family ties, companionship, intense social interactions and participation in social events, compared to older people in urban centres. These elements proved to play an equally important role in achieving longevity, being another key piece of this puzzle called the 'Ikarian way of life'.
So, if we were to summarise the general characteristics of elderly Ikarians that seem to ensure longevity, combined with a good quality of life, we would come up with the following:
Consumption of small portions of food
A diet based on agricultural products
Moderate consumption of alcohol
Daily physical activity
Maintaining strong family ties
Maintaining an optimistic attitude towards life
Participation in social groups with common interests and opinions
Socialising and avoiding isolation
Reining in stress, through a frugal life
by George Moulas,27 October 2021, planbemag.gr
sources
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1386/htm
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