Victoria's Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale have been named Australia's best areas for longevity, with residents having the highest chance of reaching 100, according to new research.
This study was conducted bySimply NootropicsThe study, based on the latest census data, analysed the association between lifestyle and age, and found the Bellarine Peninsula municipality of Queenscliffe, which includes the two suburbs, has one of the longest life expectancies in the country.
Victoria dominated the national top 10 list, with Buloke, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera also taking sixth to eighth place, alongside Queenscliffe. Other regions included Victor Harbor and Orroroo Carrieton in South Australia, Claremont in Western Australia, and Hunters Hill and Weddin in New South Wales.
Common characteristics of longevity areas
Dr. Brian Ramos, a neuroscientist at Simply Nootropics, says these so-called "Blue Zones" (regions with significantly longer life expectancy) share the following common characteristics:
- Tranquil environment
- Leisurely pace of life
- Ample outdoor space
Dr. Ramos recommends that people living in large cities regularly schedule time to relax, connect with their community, and spend time in green spaces that can reduce stress.
Living Environment and Community Stories
Advantages of Queenscliff vs Point Lonsdale
Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are renowned for their comfortable coastal setting and strong sense of community. Brock Grainger, director of local real estate agency RT Edgar Bellarine Ocean Grove, mentioned selling a home owned by a 105-year-old resident who credited "living by the sea and the fresh ocean breeze" as the primary reasons for her longevity.
The median house prices in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale are A$1.26 million and A$1.1235 million respectively. Grainger said that since the pandemic, the area has attracted more and more young families to move into the area, and the local football club and primary school have grown significantly as a result. He added that about six years ago, the local primary school had only 13 students, but now has about 150 students.
Features of other regions
Meanwhile, Birchip in the Buloke Shire is attracting buyers with its affordable properties and relaxed lifestyle, with a three-bedroom house listed for just $278,000.
National ranking of longevity regions
Here are the top 10 regions best suited for longevity, according to Simply Nootropics and Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data analysis:
- Queenscliffe – Victoria
- Victor Harbor – South Australia
- Narembeen – Western Australia
- Orroroo Carrieton – South Australia
- Claremont – Western Australia
- Buloke – Victoria
- Hindmarsh – Victoria
- West Wimmera – Victoria
- Hunters Hill – New South Wales
- Weddin – New South Wales
As Australia's ageing population grows, demand for these "lifestyle areas" is expected to continue to increase. Although the peak demand for coastal areas during the pandemic has subsided, there is still a large number of buyers interested in these areas.
The characteristics of these areas show that the environment, sense of community and healthy lifestyle are closely related, providing an ideal living environment for Australia's long-lived residents.
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