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Is There Any Brazilian City Where “Forgetting to Die” Is Almost a Reality? We Explore Veranópolis (RS), The Centenarians of Bahia, and The Factors That May Contribute to an Exceptionally Long and Healthy Life in Our Country.
The search for a long and healthy life is a universal desire, and the concept of “Blue Zones” – regions of the planet where exceptional longevity is a hallmark – fascinates the world. But does Brazil hide its own city with these characteristics, a place where people not only live over 100 years but do so with vitality?
Focusing on places like Veranópolis, in Rio Grande do Sul, and the notable centenarians of Bahia, we seek to understand the “secrets” behind a centenarian life in some Brazilian city.
“Blue Zones”: The Global Phenomenon of Extreme Longevity and Its “Power 9®” The Pillars of a Long Life
The term “Blue Zones” identifies regions where people live longer and healthier lives, with many surpassing 100 years. Famous examples include Ikaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), and Sardinia (Italy). Research in these areas has revealed nine shared lifestyle characteristics known as “Power 9®.”
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These pillars include natural movement, having a purpose (ikigai), slowing down to reduce stress, following the 80% rule (eating until 80% full), adopting a predominantly plant-based diet, consuming wine in moderation (optional), belonging to a faith community, prioritizing loved ones, and cultivating the “right tribe” of friends with healthy habits. Understanding these principles is crucial when investigating longevity in any Brazilian city.
Veranópolis (RS): The “Land of Longevity” and a Potential Brazilian City with Secrets to Long Life
Veranópolis, in the Serra Gaúcha, has been known as the “Land of Longevity” since the 1990s, when it showed the highest average life expectancy in Brazil (77.7 years). For over 28 years, the Moriguchi Institute has been conducting research on aging in the city. Experts recognize in Veranópolis factors similar to those of the Blue Zones, such as non-industrialized diet and community life.
However, the absolute number of centenarians in Veranópolis is small (two women in August 2024). Its fame seems to derive more from the quality of aging and intensive research than from a high density of people over 100 years old. The “secrets” of this Brazilian city include a balanced diet (rich in vegetables, fruits, and moderate red wine consumption), strong sense of community, active social life, and emphasis on maintaining physical and mental activity. The long-term study by the Moriguchi Institute, possibly generating a “Moriguchi Effect,” may have also fostered healthy habits.
Bahia: The Brazilian State That Stands Out with The Highest Number of Centenarians in The Country
Bahia surprises in longevity data, boasting the highest absolute number (5,336) and proportion of centenarians in Brazil, according to recent data. Cities like Salvador (516 centenarians), Feira de Santana (157), and Alagoinhas (113) are highlights. Dr. Leonardo Oliva of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology suggests that the culturally “happier, friendlier, and cordial” lifestyle and the value given to interpersonal relationships may contribute factors.
Other factors include historical demographic trends and improvements in public sanitation and health policies since 2003. The notable longevity in more than one Brazilian city in Bahia, despite socioeconomic challenges, suggests the importance of cultural and resilience factors.
In Search of the Brazilian “Secrets” to Longevity: Genetic Research and Inspiring Local Initiatives
The quest for secrets of longevity in Brazil also involves genetics. The “Sabe Project,” a collaboration between USP and UFMG, studies centenarians across the country, focusing on genetic factors in our mixed population, prioritizing individuals from poorer backgrounds. Preliminary findings have already identified millions of unique genetic variants in Brazil.
Meanwhile, initiatives such as the “City for All Ages” projects in Jaguariúna (SP) and Atibaia (SP) show a proactive approach to creating environments that support healthy aging. In the meantime, the number of Brazilians aged 100 or older has grown significantly, increasing 66.9% between 2010 and 2022, reaching 37,814 people.
What Makes a Brazilian City Have People Who “Forget to Die”?
The “secrets” of longevity in any Brazilian city seem to be a combination of factors. Fresh food and vegetable-based diets, regular physical activity, strong social and family ties, a sense of purpose, and a positive outlook on life emerge as consistent themes, both in Veranópolis and Bahia. Growing genetic research also points to a unique contribution from our diverse heritage.
Many of these elements mirror the principles of global Blue Zones, but with a distinctly Brazilian “flavor.” Brazil, while lacking officially designated “Blue Zones,” reveals its own patterns of longevity, and the ongoing study of these factors is essential to promote healthier aging for the entire population.
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