Japanese sushi legend Jiro Ono, founder of the world-famous restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo’s Ginza district, celebrate his 100th birthday this October 27—without any plans to retire. The chef, who held three Michelin stars for more than a decade, is known for serving presidents and royalty, and for inspiring the acclaimed 2011 documentary 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi.'
Back when Japan honored him during “Respect for the Aged Day” on September 15, Ono shared that he still tries to work whenever possible: “The best medicine is to work,” he said.
In one of the world’s fastest-aging nations, where nearly 100,000 citizens are centenarians, Ono stands as a symbol of longevity, purpose, and passion. But where on Earth do people live much longer than average? Well, according to best-selling author Dan Buettner, there are five destinations in the world where populations live healthier and longer lives than others, areas he has identified as Blue Zones.
In each of these places, people living to 90 or even 100 years old is common. But why is this so, and where are these modern-day Shangri-Las located? Browse the gallery and take a look at the destinations where longevity is the norm.