Study claims unexpected U.S. city as the hotspot for longevity
In this DML Report…
A study by Bestplaces.com named Washington, D.C., as the top U.S. longevity hotspot, with experts predicting it could be home to the first person to live to 150 years old. The research evaluated cities based on factors like hospital access, air quality, healthy eating, education, and community strength, with D.C. ranking fourth in social capital and wellness. Key to its high ranking are lower-than-average smoking and excessive drinking rates, though researchers noted the city’s score could improve if more residents adopted plant-based diets, which the American College of Lifestyle Medicine calls a cornerstone for extending life and health.
The study highlighted the role of strong social networks in longevity, with D.C.’s sense of community reducing stress and boosting immune health—factors linked to longer, higher-quality lives. Other top cities included Bridgeport, Connecticut, in third place, followed by Boston, Seattle, and Madison, Wisconsin, all scoring high for healthy eating, healthcare access, and air quality. Honolulu, Hawaii, ranked seventh, with analyst Bert Sperling pointing to its low smoking rates, good air quality, access to fresh food, and tight-knit family and community bonds as major contributors to residents’ long lives.
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Supporting the findings, research shows that social connections can increase survival odds by 50%, as seen in Blue Zones like Sardinia, Italy, and Okinawa, Japan, where centenarians thrive on family ties, purpose, and active lifestyles. D.C.’s data aligns with these principles, though its potential for a 150-year-old resident remains speculative without genetic or medical breakthroughs. The study underscores the measurable impact of lifestyle and environment on lifespan, with D.C. leading the U.S. in fostering conditions for a longer, healthier life.