Sardinia: where tradition meets longevity in the blue zone

Have you ever heard of blue zones? These are territories, including Sardinia, where human longevity has reached very high levels.

Sardinia is a land of ancient traditions, set in breathtaking scenery, with a long history and deeply rooted local culture. Though it is one of the most desired tourist destinations in the world, Sardinia harbors one secret not so well known: it is one of those few “blue zones” of the world where people live longer than in any other part of the globe.

What is a blue zone?

The term “Blue Zone” was coined by Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain, two researchers from the DNV Institute for Technology, Safety, and Reliability, back in 2004 after their landmark study on human longevity. They discovered that, quite surprisingly, villages could be found in the province of Nuoro where an unexpectedly high number of men and women had outlived the age of 100. In fact, they actually draw blue circles around these regions on the map, hence the name.

Their study, published in Experimental Gerontology, outlined other areas that have a high record of longevity including villages: Tiana, Ovodda, Gavoi, Fonni, Mamoiada, Orgosolo, Oliena, and Ollolai in the Barbagia di Ollolai region. Other so-called Blue Zones throughout the world include Okinawa, Japan; Icaria, Greece; the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, USA.

What’s so unique about these regions? It’s in the mix of environmental, social, and cultural factors. One single secret is not a factor, but it seems that a blend of shared habits tends to have a positive effect on both the length and quality of life.

Ogliastra: the heart of Sardinia’s blue zone

Ogliastra was born on the east side of Sardinia and is probably the most iconic region of the Blue Zone. This area is known not only for the landscape-mountainous, forested, and with coastlines in immaculate condition-but also because of its community, deeply connected to a simple, authentic lifestyle that fosters exceptional longevity. In the small villages of Arzana, Talana, Baunei, and Triei, time has another rhythm. Many residents are over 100 years old, and all live together in harmony with nature, respecting traditions and strong family bonds.

The local culture combines very deep roots with tradition, permeating every moment in everyday life-from food made with local, sustainably grown products to the importance of spending time outdoors in a community, these elements merge into a lifestyle that nurtures body and mind alike.

In Ogliastra, respect for the earth is almost sacral. It contributes to a healthy way of living, considering that the elders pass down the knowledge of medicinal plants and wild herbs to the younger generation. The aforementioned activities combined with natural food, daily physical activities, and good social relationship could be the real secret to a very long and fulfilling life. In fact, it is not strange at all that Ogliastra may be one of the most fascinating and studied regions in the world for longevity.

Secrets of the centenarians: family and community

Another major factor that significantly contributes to the longevity in Sardinia is family and community, particularly in Ogliastra. The family constitutes the basis of social life in Sardinia. The elderly are burdened with playing active, respected roles in society; this reduces stress and sharpens their minds. Being around people who really care about one’s being and possess similar habits can provide a kind of stability in personal environment that should have positive effects on mental and physical health.

Reduce stress and increase natural physical activity

In Ogliastra, as in other Blue Zones, life among the locals is very quiet and withdrawn from hustle and tension linked to material wealth or social struggle. Their days pass with the rhythm of nature; they often spend their days farming, preparing their meals, or walking up and down through hills and forests. Contact with nature, combined with unstructured physical work-which can range from walking and gathering herbs to working in the fields-keeps people healthy and slows down the aging process.

While for the more adventurous, Ogliastra offers physical challenges like the seven-day hike in Selvaggio Blu with some rock climbing and via ferrata routes or the hike to the deepest canyon in Europe, the Gorropu Canyon. These keep not only the body in shape but also develop a deep connection to the wild, untamed nature of Sardinia and its traditions.

The diet: simple yet nourishing, spiritual connection to the land

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Other significant factors contributing to the longevity of the Sardinians are a low-calorie but nutritionally sufficient diet. Made of natural and locally available legumes, whole cereals, fruits, vegetables, pane carasau or flat bread and sheep or goat cheese. Wine, especially Cannonau, plays an equally important part in their diet; wine consumed during the course of meals with other persons makes this experience pleasurable, adding companionship, a very basic element of the Sardinian’s lifestyle.

Besides that, the deep attachment to the land takes care of inner equilibrium. In Ogliastra, spirituality cannot be confined to religion; it must interact with an intimate relationship with nature, an inspiration of belonging and harmony. Most of the older Sardinians find their fulfillment in tending the lands, growing fruits and vegetables they then serve at their tables-a continuum of life and renewal.

A pattern to be recreated

Within the last years, Sardinia has turned into a focus of international attention, with documentaries, television series, and scientific articles trying to disclose secrets hidden in the long-living population of this island. Still, maybe it is just not that complicated at all: meaningful life, quality of relationships, feeding the body with what the earth gives is the secret.