Discovering Blue Zones in Colombia: Biodemographic Analysis Based on National Data of Areas With the Highest Rate of Centenarians, Semi-Supercentenarians and Supercentenarians

The biodemographic evidence that integrates environmental and demographic variables to demonstrate the association between blue zones and extreme longevity, remains heterogeneous and limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the environmental and human characteristics of the geographic areas with the highest rates of centenarians in Colombia. This was an ecological study based on national census data. Rates of centenarians, semi-supercentenarians and supercentenarians were calculated. Sociodemographic and geoscientific variables related to the territorial areas with the highest rates of centenarians in general were analyzed. In 2018, Colombia had a total of 12,226 centenarians (5294 men vs. 6932 women), corresponding to 0.02% (n = 12,226 / 44,164,417) of the total population. The overall centenarian rate in Colombia was 2.80 per 10,000 inhabitants, with a higher rate observed among women compared to men (3.10 vs. 2.50). The national rate for centenarians (100–104 years old), semi-supercentenarians (105–109 years old) and supercentenarians (≥ 110 years old) were 1.59, 0.60, and 0.56 per 10,000 inhabitants, respectively. Twenty municipalities were identified with notably higher centenarian rates compared to the national average, ranging from 9.95 to 72.83, with higher frequency of male centenarians, as well as centenarians located in urban areas. A consistent pattern of proximity to agricultural areas, herbaceous vegetation, forests, and, in some cases, bodies of water was observed across all municipalities. In Colombia, there are territorial zones with centenarian rates notably higher than the national average, which may be considered potential “blue zones” for the study of healthy and extreme longevity.