Ikaria’s ‘Secrets’ of Longevity to be Presented at Int’l Conference in Athens

Ikaria, a northeastern Aegean island that is home to some 8,500 inhabitants, is one of the five regions of the world with the highest rates of longevity, according to international scientific studies.

The results of yet another study, named IKARIA, on the topic, will be presented at the international conference “Longevity: A Realistic Goal” to be held in Athens on September 8-9. Entrance is free for the public.

According to Cardiology Professor Christodoulos Stefanadis, the IKARIA study was conducted with the main purpose of exploring the particular demographic, social, environmental and genetic features that give the island inhabitants the privilege of longevity.

“Indeed, the IKARIA study, which has been conducted over the last few years on the island, has so far provided important insights into the way of life, habits, the particular environmental conditions of the island as well as the percentages of cardiovascular and other diseases related to aging,” Professor Stefanadis said, adding that the study’s results have received recognition from the international press and from large reputable scientific journals through a number of publications.

According to the professor, the Mediterranean diet is among the main reasons for the island’s residents longevity as it is rich in vegetables, fruits and fish. Other reasons include the preference for Greek coffee, the moderate consumption of wine, daily exercise, reduced stress levels, low depression rates, companionship and participation in social events.

“These are just some of the behaviors that are common to young and elderly residents of the island and which, combined with the geophysical characteristics of the destination, contribute to longevity,” he said.

Entrance to the “Longevity: A Realistic Goal” conference is free for the public.