A recent issue of Time Magazine was titled, “How to Live Longer Better.” It has a lot of great information about aging or anti-aging, as it were. The research into Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is astounding, and there could be an anti-aging pill on the horizon. But the writers are quick to point out that you’re still going to die anyways. A few of the articles in the magazine really stood out because longevity is often associated with religion. Let’s talk about some of the highlights.

Where Do People Live Longer?

Globally, the life expectancy averages out to about 71 years. Researchers have identified five places where people seemingly live the longest:

• Sardinia, Italy

The highest concentration of male centenarians live in this community. It’s thought that a plant-based diet, lots of walking due to sheep herding and the M26 genetic variant contribute to the longevity of men. Having daughters doesn’t hurt, because dads tend to get tender care in their old age.

• Okinawa, Japan

This culture boasts female centenarians, rather than men. It’s believed that a tight-knit social circle is responsible for the longevity of many of its citizens. Strong bonds between friends and family have often been shown to have an impact on health and age.

• Nicoya, Costa Rica

The motto of Ticans is “pura vida,” which translates to pure life. The connotation is much deeper than most Americans could imagine. It’s a way of life to stay optimistic and happy, despite the circumstances. In Nicoya, most people subside on a diet of beans, corn, squash and tropical fruit. Processed food is an anathema. The culture is agrarian, which means everyone spends plenty of time outside in the sun.

• Loma Linda, California

In this community, people live 10 years or longer than other Americans. It’s the only identified zone in the US that fits this category. Researchers suggest that longevity is attributed to the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Shared principles, an emphasis on community, resting on the Sabbath and eating a plant-based diet contribute to living longer.

• Ikaria, Greece

One in three islanders in this community live beyond the age of 90 without chronic disease or dementia. Longevity is attributed to daily naps, a sense of pride and investment in the community, and strict adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Instead of moving around the world, steal their ideas about living well and longer. Form strong bonds within your own community. Eat healthy, especially less processed foods. Four out of five of the communities rely on a plant-based diet that focuses on fresh food, most likely seasonal, prepared simply and deliciously.

Learn From the Amish

In the early 1900s, life expectancy for an American was 47 years. In the Amish community, men and women were living to 70 and beyond in the early 20th century. Today, the average American lives around 79 years, as do the Amish. The difference is that the Amish have lower rates of heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The Amish may live without modern technology, but they’re living better in old age. What’s the reason for this?

Researchers believe that the agrarian work done by hand partially contributes to living better in old age. Amish men and women tend to be much more active over their lifetime than the normal American. One study found that Amish men and women were six times more active than other people in 12 different countries. The Amish rarely use tobacco, although some men do smoke cigars or pipes. Lifestyle matters.

But one key finding to the longevity of the elderly in the Amish community is that the older generation is cared for at home by relatives. Aging in place is a great benefit to living longer and better. While this isn’t always practical, it does demonstrate the power of family for the aging.