In Sardinia, where life expectancy is around 83 years, whole grains and legumes account for almost half of the caloric intake. Their diet also includes lots of cheese, wholemeal bread and pasta. Buettner says that when paired with beans – Pasta E Fagiole style – you get a great blend of slow-release and fast-release energy. “The secret to a long life? Lots and lots of pasta! he enthusiastically told his Instagram followers last June. Continue to Nicoya, Costa Rica, where the staple foods are black beans, rice and corn: complete foods rich in fiber, protein and essential vitamins. Ikaria and Lorna Linda follow similar diets focused on unprocessed carbohydrates. But it’s not just diet that determines this long lifespan. Community, an overall stress-free existence and regular exercise are all essential factors, says Buettner.