Video Dispatch

Watch the Expedition Unfold.

Travel with us to an isolated Greek island in the Aegean Sea to determine exactly why this place became home to some of the longest living people in the world.

Daily Dispatch

Daily Dispatch

Before you renew your gym membership, you may want to try just cleaning your house. That's how 73-year-old Yoanna Meli says she stays fit. The farmer's wife never plans exercise or does it on purpose, but she is fit enough to walk two hours uphill to the next village without breaking a sweat. For Yoanna, the key to fitness is hard work. And it seems to be paying off: the impish Yoanna is the picture of health.

Like many Ikarians, Yoanna started doing physical labor around the age of 13, tending to livestock and helping her parents and three sisters in their potato, squash, and cucumber fields. For most of her life, her daily activities have included maintaining the garden, herding goats, and keeping house for herself and her husband, Yannis. She guesses that her rigorous daily activities are the equivalent of trekking five miles each day.

To check this out, Yoanna agreed to strap on a pedometer and let us measure how much exercise she gets. And she's exactly right! She averaged just over 560 steps per hour, and her normal day runs from about 6 o'clock in the morning until midnight. (I should mention it's midnight now, and she is STILL hanging out in the lodge with members of the Blue Zones team.) All together, Yoanna logged just over ten thousand steps today, or about five miles. What's even more surprising: Blue Zones researchers have found that among Ikarians her age or even older, that puts her on the low end of the scale.

Researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain have found similar results for other long-lived Ikarians. Pes says of the nonagenarians and centenarians they have interviewed so far, the average daily walking distance was more than ten kilometers—a little more than six miles. "I have met people here who walk as much as 40 kilometers in a day," Pes says. "At first I was skeptical, but after asking many people, there were several who did 10 kilometers per day, on average."

So how does walking contribute to a longer life? Well, studies show that walking at least an hour a day greatly reduces your risk of metabolic syndrome, a physical condition that can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, in mountainous regions such as Yoanna's farm in the hills above Nas, regular hill climbing combined with the air's naturally lower oxygen levels yields a level of heart fitness that significantly decreases one's risk of death from heart attack, according to a recent study at the University of Athens.

For Yoanna, this means being able to keep up with her 12-year-old great nephew when he comes to help out on the farm. "Exercise? I never even think of that, never," she says. "I get my exercise by tending to the goats."

Yours truly,
Sabriya Rice

Image Gallery

Our professional photographer, Gianluca Colla, tells the story of the life of the fishermen on Ikaria. To see the photos larger or read the captions, click on the image.

Vote To Direct The Team

You help decide what the team does.

The Direct the Team feature is where you vote to tell the team what to do. Here are three possible story ideas for the team to uncover.

Poll

You must be logged in to vote.

Education

Expand

Daily Data

Print Daily Data

What's new with the team today?

Expedition Team Daily Data

Name: Sabriya Rice
Title: Video Producer
Age: 31
Pedometer Reading: 12,342
Favorite Exercise: Running and Salsa Dancing
Hours of Sleep Last Night: 2.5 hours

What I Had to Eat Yesterday

Breakfast - Nothing

Lunch - Calamari and Ice Cream

Dinner - Vegetarian Speghetti

Poll

You must be logged in to vote.

Dan’s Dilemma

Print Dan's Dilemma

Thanks for weighing in on our vegetarian dilemma yesterday. We'll take your advice and be honest and direct about those on our team that don't eat meat. Here's a dilemma for you to help with today.

Media...

As the Blue Zones Quest gets more and more attention, we’re attracting visitors from all over Greece. Two days ago Greece’s biggest newspapers visited, tonight the mayor of Ikaria came and tomorrow Greek TV wants to interview us. We feel obliged stop what we’re doing and visit when these people come. It’s an honor. But on the other hand, it often takes hours and we miss out on our work and the time it takes to produce our reports. If we take that much time off, we think our videos and dispatches will suffer. But on the other hand, one of the things we’re learning in the Blue Zones is to not be so concerned with time or stress out. Ikarians take time with life.

Poll

You must be logged in to vote.

Mystery Photo

Print Mystery Photo

What is this?

Animal Baby Bottle
Mushroom
An Ikarian Toy

Find Out…

Answer is an Animal Baby Bottle

This is a baby bottle that Aggeliki uses to feed baby goats on her farm. Just like with human babies, most baby goats feed from the nipple of their mother. Their mother is the healthiest and easiest way to feed them. But sometimes, baby goats need to be bottle-fed when the mother goat doesn’t produce enough milk or isn’t interested in feeding her young one. Sometimes baby goats are fed by having them nurse from another mother goat, or from a cow. Baby goats are nipple or bottle-fed until they are 2-3 months old.

Goat milk is used to make fabulous cheese. Each morning and afternoon, we dig into a plate of kathoura and mitzithra cheeses that are in the center of the table (right next to the plate of olives.) Kathoura is a cheese made only in Ikaria. It is salty, semi-firm and made by soaking the goat cheese curds in an enzyme-enriched salt water. After the kathoura is done, the remaining salt water is used to make mitzithra which is a softer, lighter cheese. It has the consistency of whipped cream cheese.

By the way…once a goat is nice and fat, it is slaughtered and proudly served on the dinner table.

Ask A Question

Have question for Dan or our team?

Use the comment feature at the bottom of this page to ask a question. We will post some of your questions here on the site.

Your Questions Answered

Today's questions are to Dr. Archelle Georgiou about cooking with olive oil:

Question: In one of the stories you indicated the Ikarians drizzle extra virgin olive oil on virtually every food. You also indicated that when olive oil is heated at high temperatures it converts the oil into saturated fat. Has there been any research showing at what temperature this occurs or is it the time of extended heating causing this conversion?

Answer: Our experts in Athens told us that heating about 180 degrees F would begin the process of changing the heath effects of olive oil.

Question: What do the Ikarians use as a substitute for cooking oil?

Answer: They don't substitute much...they occasionally use butter as a fat, but mostly use olive oil.

Question: If olive oil loses its beneficial properties when heated, what is the oil that Ikarians use for sautéing or frying their food?

Answer: Greeks still use olive oil, but you could substitute canola oil if you needed to get the oil hot for a certain cooking technique.

Question: If green vegetables cannot be eaten raw, what oil can they be sautéed in, if not olive oil?

Answer: Sautéing vegetables in olive oil is okay, just don’t get it too hot.

Question: Where can I get some recipes?

Answer: Diane Kochilas was a chef featured in our video. She has a YouTube Channel called "GreekFoodTV". You can find her cookbooks at http://www.dianekochilas.com/books.asp
“Glorious Foods of Greece” is Diane's best selling cookbook.

Kid Profile

Meet Aggeliki Garimali

Age: 11 years old.
Birthday: 21st of Feburay
Eye Color: light blue with flecks of yellow
Favorite Subjects: Math, history, and Bysantine

Pepetiza is one of the luckiest goats on Ikaria.

Earlier this spring, when this cottony white, three-month-old goat lost her mother, she found herself alone in the flock of over 200 goats. Then one day, that flock started moving from the seaside where they were born to summer pastures in the mountains. With no other choice, Pepetiza started following the rest of the sheep but had no idea where they were going. She tried to join the big goats but she was so small, she got lost in the forest of legs.

Soon, little Pepitza got tired. She began to lag behind. If she lost the flock, Pepetiza would certainly die—either because of an eagle attack or through starvation. But then along came 11-year-old Aggeliki Garimali and the back of the carrying her staff as she walked.

Aggeliki’s dad is a shepherd and once a year he moves his flock of sheep from the sea, where baby goats are born, to the mountains where they eat sweet grass all summer. The trip takes all day. Aggeliki’s job is to make sure none of the young goats get left behind.

I met Aggeliki yesterday in her home is Raches, Ikaria where she lives with her mom, dad and pets. She’s just like a girl you might see in American, Paris or Japan. She loves dolls, draws pictures and plays the flute. She wakes every morning and has cup of milk for breakfast, goes to school, plays “house” with her friends. Each day after school, she walks next store to visit her 93-year-old grandmother. They bake together, knit and tend a garden. “I love my grandma,” she told me. “She teaches me how to grow things and helps me with my history lessons. Most of it she’s actually lived.”

But what I really wanted to know was how she found Pepitza.

“She was very tired and fell behind. So I picked her up and carried her until she got her strength back. Then she fell behind again. I realized that if I didn’t adopt her, she’d die. So I decided to take her home. Now she’s my pet."

So, after visiting her grandmother each day, she now visits the new member of the family, Pepitza. She gives her milk from a huge soda pop bottle she’s topped with a nipple. But mostly, she gives her new little pet love.

The Bottom Line

Print Bottom Line

Ikarians, even the very old walk a lot throughout their day. Even the oldest people on the island average about six miles of walking a day on the hilly terrain. Ikarinas naturally engage in low impact, high intensity walking which is the best movement your body can receive for health and longevity.

Educators & Students

Expand your Blue Zones experience with ePALS around the world. Find Longevity under the purple Projects tab at www.epals.com and connect with classrooms on the right. You don't need to do the whole Longevity project, just find each other and Skype or email about your Quest adventures.

Educators

For ideas on how to present the Blue Zones content each day, check out the Daily Discussion.

(24) show comments |

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by Angela Farrow, May 04, 2009

You would be astonished at the beauty and productivity of my 84 year-old Aunt Kiki's vegetable, herb, fruit and flower garden in Village Manganitis, Island Ikaria. She cleared the land herself while in her 70s to build her sweet little house with views of mountain or sea out of every window. She is fluent in English, having lived in the U.S.A. but lived in Ikaria until her 20s and retired there. She and her 81 year-old sister, both widows, always grow their own vegetables and lots of them. The sisters get lots of daily exercise going back and forth up and down the mountain terrain to each others' homes, where they live alone. Auunt Kiki also takes a daily swim in the ocean, usually before 8 a.m. because she must get home afterwards to tend her garden. :)

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by James Gemelas, April 30, 2009

Great series!! I can't wait until you put it together for us. Casts the island in a great light. Can't wait see the staff at the Ikarian Convention in Cleveland!!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Joanne Mill, April 30, 2009

It seems to me that few members of the team follow the Mediteranian diet. For instance, Gianluca Colla (Day 6, Daily Data) ate a small can of chocolate biscuts. And on Day 7, Sabriya Rice had nothing for breakfast and Calamari and Ice Cream for lunch. If they are searching for the secret to a long, healthy life, why aren't they trying for one themselves?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by wesley pierce, April 30, 2009

you guy did a good job thank you very much

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Litsa, April 29, 2009

Did you discuss religious fasting with the Ikarians? What impact does fasting have on their health?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Joanne Mill, April 29, 2009

What are the nutrients in olive oil that are so good for people? And where can I find real virgin olive oil?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Ann Schrimpsher, April 29, 2009

I would like to know, where in the world people look the youngest and most healthy. I want to live as long as possible and look good while doing it. All the people you interviewed look great, but where do the people that look younger in old age live. And what do that do to keep looking young.

I would also like to know about skin cancer rates and how much direct sunlight do these people get. Also, do they use sunscreen?

Thank you,

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by Carlene Karimalis - Kitchin, April 29, 2009

~Well, although I am thrilled to know that people all over the world will be able to benefit from your research, I am saddened to think of the possible influx of people who will now visit Ikaria, and although our island is so beautiful it too like all other places in the world is suffering from such things as pollution due to the burning of there garbage as well as a decrease in one of the most ancient forests in Europe due to the goats who have free range of there grazing. Check out www.ikaria-sos.com to read more on how some are trying to bring attention to saving and preserving the landscape of Ikaria.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +3

...
written by Jan Tell, April 29, 2009

Dodge elementary school 4th and 5th graders are following along with the BlueZones team. We have created a blog to make personal connections to the quest and reflect on the question: How do you live a long and healthy life?
We welcome visitors! http://www.gips.org/Projects_D.../Blog.html

Thanks for "taking us long with you"!
Friends in Nebraska

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by lukas emil looze, April 28, 2009

How do u bottle feed a goat?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by Rosalind Brown, April 28, 2009

The Quest keeps watchers and advancers in suspension--the preserved secret of Ikarian longevity reveals a piece of itself, given the 7 days of information, and shows that Ikarian lifestyle and physical activity is probably the main reason for the longevity on this island. If the documentaries get on TV someday, I'll remember to visit this site to say so! Thanks for putting Ikaria in Greece! The documentary today makes me think that if Americans preserve their lifestyle (or if they had waybackwhen) our lives would be much different, and maybe in one way, more similar to the Ikarian lifestyle.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +0

...
written by Michael Papamichael, April 28, 2009

I am a Greek-American born in Greece and lived in Ikaria till I was 8 years old. My family moved to Toronto, Canada for 5 years then moved to Pittsburgh PA. I lived there till 1985 and now live in Boca Raton, Fl. I go back to Ikaria every year during the summers and stay in my family's home in Kampos, Ikaria which is very close to the port town of Eudilos. I am currently 50 years old, married with 3 children.

My friends told me about this study after they heard it on Good Morning America. Knowing me and how I love to brag about the Island that I grew up on, they all told me about this story. I had the personal experience of living this lifestyle on Ikaria when I was a youngster. I lived at a time when there was no TV or even electricity. I have many stories to tell you of when I lived there with my Grandparents. From the food we ate to the ironing my grandmother did with a coal filled iron and many more. I literally lived the life that pioneers in this country lived back in the 1800's. If you would like any information from me please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address. I speak fluent Greek and still have relatives in Kampos which I speak to regularly. I will be coming to Ikaria with my family for the month of July. Unfortunatelly, I know you will be finished with the research study but if you need any help now please contact me. And thank you for pointing out to the rest of the world what makes Ikaria so special!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

...
written by Jennifer Venable, April 28, 2009

We realize your focus is on longevity and a healthy lifestyle. However, my students are curious about the presence of crime in Ikaria. They have noticed in the videos and photographs the homes seem to be very open, so they are wondering what the crime rate is in Ikaria? If there is little or no crime, could the security and feeling of safety contribute to one's health, as well?

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +4

...
written by Angela Anastasopoulos, April 28, 2009

Will there be a book writen exclusively on Ikaria in the near future? Or will your findings in Ikaria be a collection of research for a book of other blue zone destinations that are still yet to be visited? (Simply put is there another Blue Zone book in the making?)

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

...
written by Sandi Curtis, April 28, 2009

We enjoyed meeting Aggeliki yesterday and today, Our question is about her favorite subjects in school.
We have no idea what "Bysantine" is. Can you explain it to us? Thank you so much!!
Mrs. Clouthier's and Mrs. Curtis' Classes at Longleaf Elementary, New Port Richey, FL 2nd Grade!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by Getenet Bottorf, April 28, 2009

Exercise is good in all aspects. I think if people (mainly in the west) worked out this would greatly lengthen their years! Well the school bus is here so I got to go now!
Getenet

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +1

...
written by mike vog, April 28, 2009

With water that they had to cary no indoor plumbing no refrigaration for food preservation and no medical help they had to have excelent hygienic habits.
Plus a lot of WINE a lot.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: -1

...
written by mike vog, April 28, 2009

Ask these 90 year olds when the roads were built and the first car came.
How many of them had to walk to high school,and what was offered at their local shop in their village,

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +4

...
written by dana dowell , April 28, 2009

Very exciting to see and learn more about Ikaria. Dan's Dilemma...no need to worry about perfecting videos and stories. They are beautifully done!!! Stopping work is part of the process of learning, which makes your work even better. Enjoy every moment.Your work is already perfect. I do think Sabriya needs a little more sleep and food. Greece is a very spiritual place, enjoy your time there and thanks for the great stories-wonderful way to start the day!!

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

...
written by Susan Spentzou, April 28, 2009

This place is really heaven on earth-forests, beautiful sea, wonderful villages, music, dansing, warm hospitality, historical sights, and the best appricots on earth. Icarians don't have a word for relax because they don't know what unrelax is. Time stops at daybreak when people go to bed and resumes at nightfall when suddenly the streets are filled with people ready to celebrate. Don't miss seeing the ancient theater near the rock of Ikaros. Whatever you do there, you will have a magical time.Icaria is an island that as much as moy may love it,it loves you back.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +4

...
written by Sofokles Mavraganis, April 27, 2009

Just for the record, there is a story similar to the story of Mr Karimalis: Mr Stamatis Moraitis, Greek-American from Kountoumas village, return from U.S. to his home land to die about 15 years ago. Doctors had given him a few months of life left, because he had a serious cancer problem. Yes, he is in his 90's and he is just fine! (No, he did not live in a cave).
My grandfather, Christos Mousetis from Chrisostomos village, 95 years old, his sister Stella 97 years old and their joung brother Stefanos 89 years old are still alive and kicking.
What is their seceret? Is it the honey and the herbs? Is it the good food and the whine? Is it the radon? Perhaps it is all these things together. But what I think makes all these old people of Ikaria really special is their way to relax and to stay calm, the way they have to keep things simple, and that they try to enjoy everyday life with their friends and with the people they love.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +3

...
written by joel bothma, April 27, 2009

Trust you are well,

I was watching AD360 on CNN and saw an insert on Ikarian Honey and would like to know if you could list the benifits of this Honey?

Your assistance would be greatly appreaciated.

Take Care

Joel Bothma

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +2

...
written by Maria Genouzos, April 27, 2009

Are these day by day documentaries going to be available for sale on DVD in the near future? Also, the Priest, Constantinos Plakas baptized my brother 24 years ago...he was an old man then we remember....my name is Maria Genouzos and my mother is from a town called Neyia and my father is from a town called Amaloo...on opposite ends of the island! Thanks for putting Ikaria on the map...although finding a flight there was already hard enough haha.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +3

...
written by Tracie Russell, RN, BS, April 27, 2009

The longer the Quest goes on the more curious Ikarian longevity becomes, given the heavy smoking habits of its residents (not to mention their daily reliance on cheese and meat--I originally got the impression the Ikarians eat a predominantly plant-based diet). I wonder whether they would live far beyond their 90s if they were non-smokers.

report abuse

vote down

vote up

Votes: +5