On the remote Greek island of Ikaría, people reach age 90 at several times the rate they do in the U.S. Instances of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes are significantly lower, and dementia is rare. Dan Buettner traveled to Ikaría with a team of longevity experts to discover what makes this island one of the world’s Blue Zones.

The topography of the island, pictured here at dusk, makes physical activity a necessary part of the Ikarían lifestyle. Residents burn calories merely by walking from one place to another many times a day.