“You and I will live forever,” sang English rock siblings Oasis, but it would have been nice if the Gallaghers slipped in a verse on the how. Turns out, where you live might be key. Sardinia was the first region in the world to be declared a “blue zone”, where people lead exceptionally long lives. Meanwhile, studies have stated amsterdam the fittest city in the world. If you love life and want more of it, where should you go? Here’s what you need to decide.

Sardinia

amsterdam

WHY YOU MIGHT GO ON AND GO ON. AND ON.

Researchers who study longevity have found that Sardinia has the highest concentration in the world of men who lived to be 100 years old. In Sardinia there is an equal ratio of centenarian men and women, while in the United States there are five times as many women.

WHY YOU MIGHT GO ON AND GO ON. AND ON.

Studies that compare factors such as number of gym memberships, obesity rates, percentage of people who cycle to work, hours of sunshine, and amount of public green space ranked Amsterdam as the top healthy city.

Unfortunately for anti-aging pizza lovers, Sardinians mostly stick to a diet of wholemeal bread, vegetables and beans with only small amounts of meat and fish.

whole grain bread

Adobe Bank

DIET

Bread with various fillings for breakfast, a small sandwich for lunch and then a satisfying meat dish with vegetables for dinner.

Many Sardinians carry a rare genetic marker called M26, which scientists believe promotes longevity. Centuries of isolated island life have helped maintain this gene in the population.

SECRET WEAPON

The Dutch are one of the five happiest nations, while Italy ranks only 31st. Conclusion: Cannabis is more fun than pasta.

Amsterdam Cannibus

2H Media/Unsplash

Pecorino is the most popular, but Sardinia has the most dangerous cheese in the world, casu marzu, which contains live insect larvae. It’s illegal to sell it, and eating it risks the bugs burying themselves in your stomach. If you’re brave enough to head inside, watching the Grim Reaper will seem like child’s play.

Casu Marzu on display at the Disgusting Food Museum in Sweden

Johan Nilsson/AP

SAY “CHEESE

Gouda. It is excellent on a cheeseburger, in a macaroni and cheese and for grilled cheese sandwiches. Less good on the size. But there are no living creatures inside.

Gouda Cheese

Adobe Bank

ELIXIR OF YOUTH

Cannonau wine

Many Sardinians drink a few glasses of their local vino every day. Cannonau (aka Grenache) has high levels of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants.

Cannonau wine

Provided

ELIXIR OF YOUTH

Heineken

Amsterdam loves its native beer, and some scientists say beer has as many antioxidants as wine, can strengthen bones, and boost your brain power. That’s why they have quiz nights in bars, not in libraries.

Heineken beer

Dave Weatherall/Unsplash

Why is the mountainous center of Sardinia home to the most centenarians? Because long before SoulCycle, there was the shepherd. Walking more than five miles a day over rough terrain while tending to the herd is great cardio.

Herd of sheep in Sardinia

Adobe Bank

DAILY TRAINING

It’s a flat city in a flat country, so Amsterdammers cycle everywhere. More than 45% use two wheels instead of four to get to and from work every day. They do cardio while you’re stuck in traffic.

Bikes in Amsterdam

AP pictures

So how many people actually live to be 100 here? An impressive 33.6 per 100,000 inhabitants. Beat that, Amsterdam.

FINAL COUNTDOWN

Cycling to work and beer can’t do much. The Netherlands has an average of 10.4 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants. Looks like it’s a one-way trip to Italy’s second largest island.