Cities around the world stand out with life expectancy exceeding 84 years

Bergen, in Noruega, and Canberra, in Austrália, lead a new ranking of cities where residents are most likely to live to 100 years old. The research analyzed 100 urban areas around the world using quality of life criteria and environmental conditions, identifying regions that function as alternatives to traditional blue zones, such as Sardenha and Okinawa.

Fundação Mundial from População developed an analytical tool that evaluated five key factors to determine the longevity potential of cities: life expectancy, smoking rate, obesity rate, food security, and level of physical activity among people aged 70 and over. The top-ranked cities combine high life expectancy with robust health infrastructure and food security standards.

Bergen leads with clean air and low smoking rates

Bergen took first place in the new blue zones ranking. The Norwegian city has an average life expectancy of 84 years and ranks fourth globally in access to public health services. The fact that less than 1 in 16 people smoke places Bergen among the lowest smoking rates in the world.

The Norwegian capital also stands out for its environmental quality. Bergen ranks 15th in air quality and environment among large cities. Esses environmental factors reinforce the general health standard of the population and directly contribute to the highest average life expectancy recorded in the region.

Canberra takes second place in the global rankings

Canberra, capital of Austrália, occupies second position in the new blue zone ranking. The city exceeds 84 years of average life expectancy and maintains more than half of its residents over 70 in an active lifestyle. The smoking rate in Canberra remains below 8%.

The survey placed Canberra in second place in the world in health quality and public infrastructure, second only to Grenoble, in França. Segundo the data, Canberra obtained a high score of 61 points in food safety standards. Esse performance means residents have easy access to fresh produce and are able to prepare nutritious meals regularly.

Critérios used in evaluating cities

The study methodology considered specific aspects that directly influence longevity and quality of urban life:

• Expectativa average population lifespan
• Taxa of smoking among residents
• Registered Obesity Taxa
• Disponibilidade and food safety quality
• Nível of physical activity in people aged 70 and over
• Acesso to public and private health services
• Qualidade air and environmental conditions

Contexto from traditional blue zones

Regiões as Sardenha, in Itália, and Okinawa, in Japão, are internationally recognized for their large populations of centenarians. Essas areas have consolidated themselves as references in longevity over decades. The new study identifies that modern cities in developed countries are beginning to present conditions similar to or superior to those in traditional blue zones.

Previous blue zone research has focused on rural communities with strong social cohesion and connection to the land. Esse new ranking broadens the perspective by demonstrating that large urban centers can also offer ideal conditions for longevity when they have adequate health infrastructure, food security and a healthy environment.

Cidades alternatives for change with expected longevity

Além, Bergen and Canberra, three other cities stood out in the research as potential alternatives for those considering moving in search of a better quality of life. Grenoble, in França, occupies the first position in health quality and public infrastructure worldwide, reinforcing the European standard of excellence in services. Analyzes are still ongoing to identify all 100 cities participating in the project.

The Fundação Mundial População study represents a significant effort to document how different global urban regions manage to maintain healthy, long-lived populations. The research offers practical information for people seeking to relocate based on health and well-being factors.