Richmond has been named as one of the UK's top areas for longevity, according to a report by The Telegraph exploring so-called "Blue Zones".

The term "Blue Zones", coined by Dan Buettner, refers to places around the world where people regularly live beyond 100, including Sardinia, Okinawa and Ikaria.

While there are no official Blue Zones in the UK, the Telegraph reports that Richmond is among the areas where people are living notably long lives.

Average female life expectancy: 86.3 years

Average male life expectancy: 82.5 years

This places the borough among the highest in the country for longevity.

According to the report, Richmond offers many of the same lifestyle factors seen in global Blue Zones.

These include access to green space, strong community connections and opportunities for regular, low-impact exercise.

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Residents can take advantage of areas such as Richmond Park, home to hundreds of wild deer and popular for walking and cycling.

The Telegraph also highlights social groups such as "Chatter & Natter" tables, including sessions held at the Cambrian Community Centre, aimed at reducing loneliness – a factor linked to shorter lifespans.

Across the world, Blue Zones are associated with:

• Plant-based diets
• Daily movement rather than intense exercise
• Low stress lifestyles
• Strong social ties
• A clear sense of purpose

The Telegraph suggests that many of these habits can be adopted closer to home, without the need to travel abroad.

Richmond is joined on the list by several other areas where people live longer than average, including:

• Windsor
• Totnes
• Bearsden
• Monmouth
• Fleet
• Lewes
• Stroud

The Telegraph concludes that while Richmond may not officially be a Blue Zone, its mix of green spaces, active lifestyles and strong community spirit means it shares many of the same ingredients for a longer, healthier life.

READ MORE: How to make the most of Richmond in the sun as the weather gets warmer.

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