“Blue Zones” refer to areas where an unusually high number of people live to a very , maintaining their activity and social connections. The classic list of Blue Zones includes Sardinia, Ikaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California). Residents of these regions share common traits: a moderate and natural diet, daily physical activity integrated into their routines, a sense of purpose, strong family and community ties, and low levels of chronic .
Why Ostrobothnia is in the Spotlight
According to Daily Mail, a team led by social policy researcher Sara Ockerman from Åbo Akademi University in Finland analyzed data from three northern regions of Finland: bilingual Ostrobothnia, Finnish-speaking Southern Ostrobothnia, and the Swedish-speaking Åland Islands. The coastal part of Ostrobothnia, where Swedish is widely spoken, stood out particularly, showing longer and better well-being indicators.
What the Numbers and Observations Showed
- The life expectancy for those born in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia is about 83.1 years, which is higher than the average in Finland and significantly above the global average.
- Older adults here are more likely to engage in volunteer work, are active in their communities, and report lower levels of depression and loneliness.
- The coastal environment supports a diet rich in fish, while moderate physical activity is a part of daily life rather than scheduled exercise.
The Åland Islands also demonstrate high life expectancy and good health indicators, but their lifestyle does not always align with the typical characteristics of Blue Zones. Southern Ostrobothnia shows good behavioral indicators but has a lower life expectancy.
Is It Time to Declare a ‘Sixth’ Blue Zone?
Not just yet. The researchers are cautious: a rigorous demographic verification is needed (checking birth and death registries, eliminating accounting errors, etc.). This is how the Blue Zone in Sardinia was verified in the past. Longevity is the result of many factors, and a “healthy lifestyle” does not always guarantee an increase in average life expectancy at the regional level. Therefore, it is more accurate to refer to Ostrobothnia as a candidate for Blue Zone status at this time.
What This Means for Us
The story of Ostrobothnia reinforces a simple idea: there isn’t just one “magic pill,” but rather a daily routine and environment—regular movement, community, a simple and varied diet, and a sense of place and role within the community. This combination seems to give people a chance not only to live to 90 and beyond but also to maintain a clear mind and active lifestyle.
