One area of the UK has been named as the healthiest place in Britain to grow old, and locals say there are four key reasons which contribute to its remarkable longevity11:36, 21 Jul 2026There's one place in the UK putting other places in the country to shame when it comes to the health of its residents.‌Earlier this year, a Office for National Statistics study crowned a stunning group of islands as the healthiest place in Britain to grow old. They have the highest average healthspan, which is the age to which you can expect to live in good health.‌Orkney, an archipelago off the northeast coast of Scotland, had an incredible average age of 72.9. Other areas in the UK barely got over 60 while in Blackpool, Lancashire, people's health declines after they reach the age of 50.‌What is the secret to Orkney's success? According to locals who have lived and breathed the island air off their lives, if there is a secret it is down to four main factors.LocationThe Orkney Islands benefit hugely from its incredible coastlines. Over the last couple of decades, research into so-called Blue Zones has been a hot topic.They are areas of the world where people living there reportedly have incredible longevity. The designated areas, where many people live beyond 100, are: Okinawa Prefecture in Japan, Nuoro Province in Sardinia, Italy, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica and Icaria, Greece and Loma Linda in California, USA.‌One thing these places all have in common is that they are either on the coast or very nearby.There are a number of reasons why living near the coast could boost longevity.‌Lesley Palmer, a professor of dementia and ageing design at the University of Stirling, told the I: "The links to the Blue Zones are tempting. There are similarities around resilience [in the face of adverse weather/isolated lives], a lifestyle which encourages natural vigorous movement, purpose, and community."And Blue Zones are coastal, with high levels of daylight in the summer months."Other benefits linked to living by the sea include increased physical activity, stress reduction and cleaner air quality.‌CommunityExperts are also in agreement that having a sense of community is crucial in living a longer life. When people stop working because they need the money, it is crucial that they still find a sense of purpose.Atlantic Health reports that having health connections with other people has a huge impact on your long-term health and longevity, and this is another facet that is seen in the Blue Zones - they are generally tight communities.‌Having strong social connections has a huge impact on both physical and mental health - they lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health. They also provide a buffer against depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.Community spirit is something available in abundance on Orkney.Moira Kelday, 70, runs the Stenness Diamond Club, a social group for the over 60s. She told the I: "Community keeps us young. I don't know anybody who just retires. People do volunteering and hobbies."‌ExerciseMoving your body is also a crucial component in staying healthier for longer - and this is backed up by the people of Orkney.Donna Cuthbertson, 41, runs Orkney Dance and Fitness and specialises in teaching older people.She moved from Maidstone in Kent nine years ago with her husband, a police officer, so is in a position to see how people in Orkney compare to those in other places.‌Donna told the I: "Orkney is good at social connection - everyone looks out for each other."They're also good at moving, going out, and even when they retire, they don't stop. They're not just doing cardio, but that muscular, functional movement too."‌Experts agree that exercise preserves muscle mass while boosting cardiovascular and brain function.In Blue Zones, it is common for people to walk to the store and garden by hand.FoodLastly, diet is an obvious but important lifestyle aspect that helps people live longer and healthier.Article continues belowDonna said there is less fast food on the islands with no takeaway delivery services likes Deliveroo and UberEats. There is also no McDonald's, the world's biggest fast food chain. If you're desperate to visit the famous golden arches, you would need to take a ferry or flight to the Scottish mainland.Donna adds: "Residents are not sitting on the m25, getting home late and putting an oven pizza on. If stress levels are lower then you're eating better."Blue Zones also have good diets full of fresh ingredients and little or no processed food.