Finland may have its own blue zone in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia, where researchers have identified an unusual combination of long life expectancy, good health and an active, community-oriented lifestyle. The region does not yet meet the demographic requirements for formal recognition, but a study by Åbo Akademi University suggests that it shares several characteristics with places known for exceptional longevity.
Why Ostrobothnia resembles a blue zone
Blue zones are geographical areas where people live unusually long lives and often remain active into old age. They are commonly associated with places such as Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Ogliastra in Sardinia and Martinique.
According to research published by Åbo Akademi University, the Swedish-speaking part of Ostrobothnia stands out for its long life expectancy, relatively good health and adherence to a health-promoting lifestyle.
Researchers compared bilingual Ostrobothnia, Swedish-speaking Åland and Finnish-speaking South Ostrobothnia. Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia followed the lifestyle commonly associated with blue zones more closely than the other regions studied.
However, the findings do not establish a simple connection between lifestyle and longevity. Åland recorded the highest life expectancy and the best health outcomes, despite following fewer of the lifestyle principles traditionally associated with blue zones. South Ostrobothnia showed comparatively strong lifestyle indicators but poorer health and lower life expectancy.
The results therefore suggest that healthy ageing depends on a combination of social, cultural, economic and biological factors, rather than on individual behaviour alone.
Finland’s blue zone is not official yet
Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia cannot yet be formally classified as a blue zone.
As Yle reported, the region has not met the required demographic threshold concerning the number of centenarians in relation to younger generations. Further analysis is needed to verify whether its longevity is sufficiently exceptional compared with the rest of Finland.
“Achieving extremely long life requires not only an active lifestyle, but also favourable genetics and access to healthcare,” said Sarah Åkerman, Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Policy at Åbo Akademi University and principal investigator of the Blue Zones in the Nordics project.
Formal blue-zone research requires researchers to verify people’s ages through reliable birth, death and population records. It must also demonstrate that longevity in the area is significantly higher than elsewhere in the same country.
The Åbo Akademi study used national statistics and data from the Gerontological Regional Database (GERDA). The latest survey round, conducted in 2021 and 2022, included responses from more than 12,000 older people.
Everyday movement and strong communities
The Ostrobothnian lifestyle identified by researchers is based less on organised exercise than on regular movement integrated into daily life.
Åkerman told Yle that physical activity in blue-zone communities does not necessarily mean attending yoga classes or completing intense workouts. It can instead involve working in a garden, walking in a forest or carrying out tasks in fields and around the home.
People remain constantly but moderately active, while older residents continue to hold a visible role within their communities.
Strong social relationships may also be important. Swedish-speaking communities along Finland’s western coast have previously been associated with high levels of social capital, including participation in associations, religious communities, choirs and local networks.
The region’s linguistic minority status may reinforce these connections by encouraging people to maintain close relationships across families and generations.
Blue-zone lifestyles are also commonly linked to a sense of purpose, moderate eating habits, low levels of stress and prioritising relatives and friends. Researchers stress, however, that such characteristics should not be treated as a guaranteed formula for living to 100.
A slower working life could support healthy ageing
Åkerman believes that some elements of the Finnish blue zone lifestyle remain common among older generations, particularly in rural and coastal communities. They may be harder to maintain for working-age residents.
Fast-paced employment and other daily demands can leave people with less time to prepare food, maintain relationships or take part in community life. Åkerman has therefore argued in favour of a five- or six-hour working day, which she says could give people more time for relationships and home cooking.
She has also proposed a more flexible approach to education, employment and retirement. Older people could remain involved in workplaces and universities, while younger people could take on greater roles in politics and civic organisations.
These proposals represent Åkerman’s personal vision rather than conclusions demonstrated by the study. They reflect a broader question raised by the research: whether societies can create conditions that make healthy choices part of everyday life rather than an additional responsibility for individuals.
A possible model for other parts of Finland
Researchers also see potential for Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia to develop wellbeing tourism, presenting places such as Pietarsaari as examples of a nature-oriented and socially connected way of life.
The region differs from many established blue zones because of its northern climate. Its possible inclusion would therefore broaden the discussion beyond warm, coastal and mountainous areas in southern Europe, Asia and Central America.
Åbo Akademi researchers have also studied Sweden’s Västerbotten region and plan further comparisons between western Finland, Sardinia and blue-zone communities in the USA.
Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia may never receive formal blue-zone status. Even so, the preliminary findings indicate that long and healthy lives are shaped not only by diet and exercise, but also by healthcare, supportive communities, meaningful activity and the organisation of working life.
