Research in Western Finland revealed that the Swedish-speaking part of the Ostrobothnia region demonstrates a combination of healthy lifestyle, good health, and high life expectancy—which could make it a candidate for a “Blue Zone” status in the northern region.
A region in Western Finland has been identified as a potential candidate for the status of a so-called “Blue Zone”—an area whose residents are characterized by a high quality and duration of life. This area is the Swedish-speaking part of Ostrobothnia.
The study, published in Wiley, covered several regions: the Åland Islands, South Ostrobothnia, and the Finnish-speaking and Swedish-speaking areas of Ostrobothnia. Researchers compared population health indicators, lifestyle, and life expectancy.
It was found that the Åland Islands demonstrated the highest life expectancy and excellent health indicators, but residents partly deviate from “Blue Zone” principles—for instance, in diet and social activity. South Ostrobothnia took an intermediate position: despite healthy habits, health indicators were lower. The Finnish-speaking part of Ostrobothnia deviated the most from the ideal.
The Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia region came closest to the “Blue Zone” concept. Here, a healthy lifestyle, sustained good health, and high life expectancy combine, making the region a promising candidate for receiving this unofficial status.
The study authors emphasize that longevity is formed not only by healthy habits. It is also influenced by the social environment, cultural characteristics, ecology, and even genetics.
Thus, Western Finland could become the first northern region to gain recognition as a “Blue Zone”—an area where people live longer and better.
