Page 6 - May Newsletter
P. 6
of Ikarians in particular. Research has shown that there are other factors which lead
to their longevity.
These include good physical condition due to daily exercise as a result of manual
labor and rural living. The walking which Ikarians do on a daily basis, combined with
the mountainous topography of the island, enhances one’s physical condition.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean midday rest, comprised of a short nap, has been
proven to protect and improve cardiac function while emotional attachments to
others, including strong family and social ties between Ikarians, have been proven
to increase lifespan.
Lastly, the relaxed pace of daily life, including a minimized level of anxiety and
stress, has also been known to lead to longevity. Ikarians are an optimistic group of
people!
In a recent interview with the BBC, retired doctor Christodoulos Xenakis spoke
about how Ikarians avoid unnecessary anxiety in their lives.
“No one really sets appointments here,” one island resident stated. The concept of
time is an important part of life on Ikaria, Xenakis explained, but not in the way
most people think.
“It’s more like ‘see you in the morning, afternoon, or evening,'” the doctor explains.
“We don’t stress.”
