Places Where People Live the Longest

What’s the secret to a long life? For clues, check out these places worldwide where people live the longest. From Hong Kong to Loma Linda, CA, see how locals' lifestyles contribute to long lives.

Macau has the second-highest life expectancy in the world, according to the CIA World Factbook. Some point to this Chinese territory’s strong (largely gambling-based) economy -- about 70% of money generated on the casino floor is invested by Macau’s government into healthcare. Average Life Span: 84.41 years Typical Diet: Mainly plant- and seafood-based

The 30,000 citizens of this tiny microstate, landlocked by Italy, enjoy one of the longest life spans in the world. San Marino has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, no national debt, a budget surplus, and roughly half its people actively practice their faith -- all possible factors. Average Life Span: 83.01 years Typical Diet: Similar to cuisine in Italy's Emilia-Romagna and Marche regions

It may be the second-smallest -- and the most densely populated -- country in the world, but Monaco sees the world’s highest life expectancy. It doesn’t hurt that the Western European country, on the French Riviera, is home to the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. Average Life Span: 89.73 years Typical Diet: Largely Mediterranean

Sardinia ties with Okinawa for having the highest ratio of centenarians in the world -- 22 centenarians per 100,000 people. The island, 120 miles off Italy’s coast, is home to rugged terrain great for calorie-burning. Come evening, locals enjoy a glass of red wine alongside humor-filled conversation -- in fact, the word “sardonic” originates in Sardinia. Average Life Span: 81 years Typical Diet: Plants and beans; sheep cheese and goat’s milk; meat eaten as an accent

Iceland has the sixth-highest life expectancy in the world, according to United Nations’ figures. One possible reason is Iceland’s low levels of pollution (geothermal energy reliance is the norm). The country’s low levels of common illnesses, such as heart disease and depression, are also linked to a daily diet rich in fish oil. Average Life Span: 81.28 years Typical Diet: Fish; pasture-raised lamb and wild game; black tea, veggies, wild berries and whole grains

Just 60 miles from the fast-paced LA scene, the town of Loma Linda, CA, is home to America’s longest living population -- and some say it’s a matter of faith: Many of the town’s 23,000 residents are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, a religion whose members typically live 4 to 7 years longer (with more health and happiness) than the rest of the country. Average Life Span: Well into the 80s Typical Diet: Vegetarianism is a popular practice among 7th Day Adventists; most restaurants in town accommodate with a vegetarian menu option.

Elderly Okinawans have among the lowest death rates in the world from common diseases -- a fact attributed to a traditional Japanese diet, with only 25% of its sugar and 75% of its grain intake. In recent years, though, younger Okinawans’ move toward fattier foods (Spam is now sometimes added to stir-fries) has led to lower life expectancy. Average Life Span: 5 times as many Okinawans live to be 100 as their compatriots elsewhere in Japan. Typical Diet: Lots of fish, soy and legumes

Surfs up in Australia -- the country now surpasses the UK, Canada, New Zealand and the US in overall life expectancy rates, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. A low smoking rate, coupled with an active lifestyle, is among the reasons. That good fortune isn’t universal, though: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still trail behind. Average Life Span: For women, 83.7 years; men, 79.2 years Typical Diet: Shrimp on the barbie, mate!

This tiny European nation, wedged in quiet isolation between France and Spain, also boasts many long-timers. An active lifestyle, encouraged by some of the best skiing and day hikes in the Pyrenees, is a big reason. So is Andorrans’ focus on family and friends. The influx of tourism (and fast food) is quickening life’s pace, though. Average Life Span: 82.51 years Typical Diet: Mediterranean-style, with meat, veggies and fish from Andorra’s larger neighbors

In this 75-mile-long stretch of Costa Rica, longevity rules supreme: The 75,000 Nicoyans who call this peninsula home have more than 4 times the chance of making it to 90 than a 60-year-old in America. Maybe it’s because of the area’s relative calm -- it’s home to some of the country’s most isolated and beautiful beaches. Average Life Span: Well into the 90s Typical Diet: Meso-American diet includes beans, squash and corn tortilla; also, the area’s calcium- and magnesium-rich water, which strengthens bones and relaxes arteries, is an added benefit.

This second-largest island in the English Channel sees a high standard of living -- and long life expectancy. Islanders’ relative wealth may be the reason; it’s the sixth-richest place in the world. Other life-enhancing perks include Guernsey’s low tax rates and high-paying jobs, which afford residents top healthcare options. Average Life Span: 82.24 years Typical Diet: Champagne wishes and caviar dreams … come true

Israel has the fifth-longest life expectancy in the world. The top 3 cities ranked by life expectancy are Ra’anana (85.5 years), Modiin-Maccabim-Reut (84.1) and Beith Shemesh (83.1); the bottom 2 cities are Nazareth (77.9) and Rahat (77.1) -- a gap that’s been narrowing over the past few decades, with a 7-year gain among Israeli Arabs since 1980. Average Life Span: 81.5 years Typical Diet: Fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines

Blue Zones author Dan Buettner has called this the “island where people forgot to die.” The 10,000 residents of this Greek island typically live well into their 90s. Laid-back, daily socializing may be one reason. As one resident told Buettner: “When you invite someone to lunch, they might come at 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. We simply don’t care about the clock here.” Average Life Span: 1 in 3 residents lives into their 90s Typical Diet: Vegetables from the garden, legumes, greens and lots of olive oil

It’s not just remote, slow-paced corners of the world that see long life spans. Hong Kongers are among the longest living people in the world. That’s especially true for Hong Kong’s women, who live longer than most other populations in the world. Experts credit a tradition of dawn workouts, such as daily swims and morning hikes. Average Life Span: 86.7 years for women, 80.5 years for men Typical diet: Cantonese food, big on steamed fish and vegetables

Singapore ranks as one of the top places in the world for life expectancy – signaling great strides in the country’s public health initiatives and economic opportunity. Over the last 3 decades, Singaporeans have seen their life expectancies increase by 10 years. Adult obesity is around 11% -- far lower than many Western countries. Average Life Span: 82.14 years Typical Diet: Mix of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines