A New "Blue Zone": Why 13.8% of Women in the Italian Town of Bolotana Reach the Age of 100
Scientists have identified a potential "blue zone"—a region with an exceptionally high concentration of centenarians—in the mountain village of Bolotana on the island of Sardinia. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Aging reveals that the local women enjoy an extraordinary lifespan.
Demographic data from the last century show that 13.8% of women in Bolotana live to be 100 years old. For comparison, the figure for Italy as a whole is only 3.5%. Furthermore, a 70-year-old woman in Bolotana is nearly three times more likely to reach her 100th birthday than a woman living in the United States. In terms of female longevity, this Italian settlement ranks second only to Hong Kong.
What makes Bolotana truly unique is this focus on women. While Sardinia is traditionally known for the high life expectancy of its male population, in this particular village, it is the women who reach record-breaking longevity.
What Is the Secret to Longevity?
The secret behind this phenomenon lies in the lifestyle of the local residents. The village is situated in a mountainous area, so people get around daily by walking along steep streets, avoiding the use of cars. The diet of these long-lived individuals consists primarily of homegrown or locally produced foods, including fresh olive oil, which is rich in beneficial fatty acids. Furthermore, in Bolotana, there is no issue of loneliness or social isolation among the elderly: families live close by, and the community fosters a strong tradition of mutual care.
An analysis of archival church and municipal records has confirmed the accuracy of the residents' ages. Scientists continue to study the genetics and habits of the village’s inhabitants in order to better uncover the secret to healthy aging.
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