Greek man with cancer returned to Ikaria to spend his final days — the 'island of eternal youth' had other plans

A Greek island, Ikaria, has been giving people a renewed sense of purpose and adding to their lifespan with a rich and lively culture, reported BBC News. Right from the people and weather to the food and activity, it’s like a reminder of why we’re put on the planet… to live to the fullest. And nothing quite proves the beauty of this little island than the life-giving story of then-60-year-old Stamatis Moraitis. In 1976, he was given months to live after doctors discovered his lung cancer, according to the Greek Reporter. He moved back to his hometown island to spend his last days with loved ones, and a miracle unfolded. 

Anna Katsas, a Greek American content creator, has also witnessed the vibrancy of the place. She arrived only for two weeks and couldn’t leave after realizing how extremely wonderful living felt. The woman revealed that Ikaria came under a “blue zone,” a place known to be exceptional for living “longer and happier” lives. According to Business Insider, when Moraitis first returned there from the United States, he didn’t think he’d get a glimpse of that kind of life. He came back to his hometown after his cancer diagnosis so his family wouldn’t be burdened with the costs of his funeral. “Let me be buried beside my family, by the sea, and where it'll only cost my relatives a few hundred dollars,” he remarked. 

But once he set foot into the place, things turned around miraculously. While the man in his 60s thought he was living his best life in the few months he had, his body was healing. The fresh air, water, and connection with friends and family were doing what no treatment and medication couldn't. He eventually took up gardening and started building a vineyard. At the time, he didn’t think he’d enjoy the fruit but built it anyway so his wife would have something to remember him by. Instead of counting the months, the man began to catch up with friends over wine. And before he knew it, his body felt renewed. 

Crediting the wine, herbal foods, and stress-free living, the man lived for a few more decades. He passed away peacefully in 2013 in Ikiaria, at the age of 102. That’s the power of this small island that glorifies the “art of doing nothing.” People sit with cups of coffee, chatting and chatting for hours on end. This is because the place follows a unique saying, “Siga Siga.” It encourages the idea of taking things slowly and not rushing with routines. Another reason is the view and lifestyle. Right from history, the sightings and more, there is not just health but also happiness to be found. The serenity has taken citizens captive. 

The food is inspired by a traditional plant-based diet. Meat is cooked only on Sundays, and the warmth has mesmerized many. Other prominent features noted by Katsas were the “Therma,” a hot spring (though radioactive), and the village festivals that add to the quality of life. It’s no wonder people go on to live up to 90 and beyond. In an interview from 60 Minutes with another 100-year-old resident at Ikaria, the “wine” seemed to earn most credit for his exceptional living. Seeing people in their 90s still breeding goats and tending to their herds, cleaning, eating, enjoying walks, and more makes you wonder what the magic of Ikaria really is.

Research published by Harvard Health revealed that a blue zone is one that has a higher number of centenarians. In these places, people live up to 10 years longer than the average American. There are also lower rates of chronic illnesses like dementia, cancer, diabetes, and so on. The research adds Ikaria to the blue zone magnificence. Journalist Dan Buettner explored five such zones, Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, for his book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” When Buettner interviewed Moraitis for his Netflix documentary, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones,” he asked the man about his cancer diagnosis and how he turned it around. The man proudly replied, “I don't know! I guess I just forgot to die."

You can follow Dan Buettner (@danbuettner) on Instagram for more content on longevity and living. 

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