“Blue zones”—the pockets of the world where people reportedly live longer, healthier lives—have fascinated us for decades.

But according to recent research from the University of Oxford, they might all be a myth.

The researchers examined the records of so-called “supercentenarians”—people claiming to live past 110—and found that their extraordinary ages probably have nothing to do with their lifestyles. 

Regions claiming the highest numbers of supercentenarians often share one common trait: poverty. 

Poor socioeconomic conditions—like low GDP, high unemployment, and limited resources—are typically linked to shorter lifespans, not extreme longevity.

So, how can areas where people struggle to meet basic needs produce so many “super agers?”

The most likely explanation, according to the researchers, is a combination of unreliable documentation and pension fraud.

In poorer regions, people may exaggerate their ages or delay reporting a person’s death to continue claiming financial benefits like pensions for as long as possible. Without reliable systems for tracking births and deaths—a common issue in so-called blue zones—these claims often go unchecked. 

(Consider this: When the U.S. introduced mandatory birth certificates, supercentenarian numbers dropped by 69-to-82%. Just 18% of “exhaustively” verified supercentenarians have birth certificates; in the U.S., that number drops to 0%.)

The data also contained strange patterns. For instance, an unlikely number of supercentenarians were born on the first of the month or dates divisible by five, a solid indication their ages were either altered, rounded, or outright invented.

So, rather than romanticizing far-off lands as having cracked the longevity code, it’s far more practical to focus on strategies proven to extend and improve your life:

  • Stay Active: Regular exercise keeps your body and brain in tip-top shape.
  • Eat Well: Diverse, minimally processed diets rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins optimize health.
  • Build Strong Bonds: Meaningful relationships improve emotional resilience.
  • Sleep and De-Stress: Poor sleep and chronic stress can wreck health. Prioritize both.
  • Live With Purpose: Doing meaningful activities adds years to your life and makes it worth living.