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Man given months to reside returns to docs 10 years later with 3 suggestions however too late

When Stamatis Moraitis was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1976, he was told he had less than a year to live.

But fast forward 10 years and the pensioner was still going strong so he returned to the doctors to share the three secrets of his survival. However, when the pensioner went back, he was sad to discover that he’d outlived them all.

After his terminal diagnosis, Stamatis had decided to move back to his home island of Ikaria in Greece to live out his final days and avoid America’s high funeral costs.

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He refused chemotherapy and medication in favour of nature and his own good old-fashioned brew. He tended to his garden and vineyard and made homemade wine.



Ikaria is one of the world's renowned 'Blue Zones' where people live the longest
Ikaria is one of the world’s renowned ‘Blue Zones’ where people live the longest

He put his longevity down to good food, good wine and good company on the lush island, which is one of the world’s renowned “Blue Zones” where inhabitants commonly live longer than anywhere else in the world.

Stamatis went on to live for more than 40 years after his diagnosis and passed away peacefully in 2013 at the age of 102.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) by Visionary Void earlier this week said: “Lesser-known is the fact that Moraitis attributed his extended life to a conscious choice—to return to his homeland, the Greek island of Ikaria…Living in such an environment undoubtedly played a significant role in Moraitis’s impressive lifespan.

“But it wasn’t just the location that contributed to his extraordinary journey.

“Moraitis adopted a traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in locally sourced whole foods like fresh vegetables, olive oil, and moderate wine consumption.



Stamatis went on to live for another 45 years after his terminal diagnosis
Stamatis went on to live for another 45 years after his terminal diagnosis

“This dietary choice mirrors the Mediterranean way of life, known for promoting health and longevity.

“Lastly, while Moraitis’s defiance of lung cancer is impressive, another hidden aspect of his life sheds light on the importance of strong community bonds.

“Ikaria thrives on close-knit, supportive communities, where people genuinely care for each other. This sense of belonging and social support likely contributed to Moraitis’s positive outlook and resilience.”

The post attracted scores of likes and comments.

One wrote: “Having lived on one of the Mediterranean’s beautiful islands and experienced their way of life, I can quite believe it!! Sunshine, love and beautiful food!! Heaven!!”

Another added: “My mother’s parents migrated to neighbouring Samos from Ikaria. Her great grandmother and grand aunt lived to 105 and 102, respectively. The grand aunt never made breakfast, as such, but instead ate last night’s leftovers, with some wine, before working the fields.”

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