Is Stamatis Moraitis still alive?

Stamatis Moraitis was born in Ikaria but moved to the US as a young man. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 1976, he returned to the island to die. Moraitis lived for another 36 years. He died in February at age 102.

Who is Stamatis Moraitis?

In 1943, a Greek war veteran named Stamatis Moraitis came to the United States for treatment of a combat-mangled arm. He’d survived a gunshot wound, escaped to Turkey and eventually talked his way onto the Queen Elizabeth, then serving as a troopship, to cross the Atlantic.

Why do people in Ikaria live longer?

Of the thousands of tourists visiting Ikaria each year, few have failed to ask why the island’s inhabitants live so long, muses Pylaras. Perhaps the answer is stress—or the lack thereof. Perhaps it’s diet, perhaps genetics, perhaps some completely unknown factor, or maybe it’s a combination of all of them.

Why do Icarians live so long?

Surveys conducted also show that a significant factor in the longevity of Ikarians is the consumption of Greek coffee and mountain tea, which are key antioxidants for the body. -the minimal use of medicine. -sexual activity, even in older people. -strong family and social ties between Ikarian people.

Do Greeks live the longest?

On average, they live an astounding 8 to 10 years longer than Americans, are 2.5 times as likely to survive to 90, and are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s.

Do people in Ikaria smoke?

Very few men and women were current smokers. However, almost all men (i.e., 99%) and 32% of women reported ever smoking. These extremely high rates, especially in men, are in discordance with the reported low rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease in Ikaria Island [5].

What vegetables do they grow in Ikaria?

Ikarians base much of their diet on what they grow and what grows around the island. Wild greens are especially popular. Leeks, garlic, carrots, and potatoes are easily accessible in Ikaria. Even the leaves of wild carrots are used in the cooking.