A 33-year-old who relocated from the U.S. to live near the ocean in Jamaica believes that they have a higher chance of living a longer life.

Recently, I hadn't considered living abroad until now.

Although I have always felt a connection to Jamaica due to my father's origin, it wasn't until recently that I finally visited the island for the first time.

This spring, I relocated to Negril, Jamaica with my two youngest children, and was overwhelmed with joy as I immersed myself in the local culture, cuisine, and the warmth of my family and new acquaintances.

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In the US, I frequently suffered from illness and high blood pressure. Recently, I've been amazed and thrilled to discover that, like the lively seniors in my neighborhood, my stress has decreased and my health has improved significantly.

Overall, I feel like I have a better chance of longevity here.

The largest takeaways I have gleaned from the elderly individuals in my neighborhood are:

They spend much of their time outdoors

An elderly neighbor in his mid-to-late 60s is capable of performing a backflip and frequently ascends trees to gather fruit. He is just one of the many lively seniors residing in my community.

Many individuals hand wash their clothes and hang them to dry, just as I have begun to do. People invest a considerable amount of time in maintaining their gardens.

I spend most of my day outside working. Although I've tried it in the States, I return indoors as soon as the weather changes, and I may or may not venture out again.

My veranda "office" is always open due to the temperate year-round weather.

They stay active and walk everywhere

I realize now that my reliance on cars in the U.S. hindered my ability to appreciate nature and spend time with others.

In North Carolina, many things are drive-thru, including pharmacies and fast food. Due to the design of my town, everyone relied on a vehicle. In the U.S., I drove everywhere, even though it was just up the street to take my daughter to daycare.

In my community in Negril, many individuals, particularly seniors, rely on walking and public transportation to travel and complete their daily tasks.

I have been strolling more frequently since I arrived, and I plan to walk to the store most days. Jamaica's terrain is also quite hilly and mountainous, requiring frequent uphill climbs. This has had a positive impact on my health.

They eat fresh and unprocessed food

The produce here is particularly excellent, with numerous fruit trees and a diverse array of fresh vegetables.

The food in Jamaica tastes different from the food in the U.S. It is not heavily processed, nor overly salty or sweet. While traditional fast food is available, I prefer to visit skilled local vendors and sample their offerings.

There are many options for delicious, healthy, and affordable food nearby, including freshly caught fish, porridge, cold coconuts, and my favorite dishes like jerk chicken, brown stew, bully beef, and beef patties.

They know that community is essential

When people are feeling unwell, neighbors will share their favorite herbal remedies.

We are frequently invited to community events, even as new residents. On a Sunday, individuals may attend church, unwind, visit the river, and engage in "bush cooking" - preparing and sharing delectable meals outdoors. The atmosphere is relaxed, and I felt at home immediately.

I rarely interacted with my neighbors in the US, knowing only four of them on my street and living there for seven years. I would occasionally wave to them as I passed, but our interactions were brief and we returned to our separate lives.

In Jamaica, I always chat with my neighbors whenever I see them.

They embrace a slower pace

I didn't realize how high-stress and individualistic the culture in the United States could be until we left. I was on autopilot all day, every day.

Moving disrupted my routine, relieved me from daily stressors, and enabled me to construct a new reality.

By stepping out of my comfort zone, I was able to establish new habits that have improved my life.

Tiffany Grant is a financial educator, writer, podcaster, and coach. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, she was an HR professional. She is the founder and host of "Money Talk with Tiff," an Accredited Financial Counselor, and holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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