Boasting the world’s healthiest, longest-living populations, “Blue Zones” are places that have identified exceptional longevity based on traditional lifestyles. In 1999, Sardinia, Italy served as the original case-study for Blue Zones due to its high concentration of centenarians and low rates of chronic diseases. 5 years later, a follow up report demonstrated that Saridinia’s healthy centenarian population was concentrated in the mountains of the Nuoro province, and that most centenarians in the region were male. Led by Dan Buettner, extensive research continued and the list of Blue Zones grew to include Japan’s Okinawa, Costarica’s Nicoya, and Greece’s Icaria. They discovered that the secret to longevity and health in these specified regions was directly tied to traditional lifestyles that promote connectivity, low stress, natural movement, purpose and healthy eating. 

Off Italy’s western shoreline in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sardinia remains one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Flanked by stunning azure seas that lap its sandy shores, Sardinia’s interior boasts rugged mountains, forests and agrarian plains. Perched on the slopes of Mount Ortobene, Nuoro’s citizens live in a manner that promotes their health in a holistic manner, hunting, fishing and harvesting their food, and keeping their friends and family close. 

CONNECTIVITY

A close-knit, often culturally isolated population, Sardinians put their families first. With rich inter-generational relationships, this strong support system ensures lower levels of stress and higher levels of happiness, which promotes better overall health. Famous for their sense of humor, Sardinian men are known to gather in the streets to enjoy each other's company and most importantly, to laugh. They also have a strong aperitivo tradition, drinking 1-2 glasses of wine a day with friends or family to unwind and relax. 

MOVEMENT 

With rugged terrain and a deep tradition of agrarian subsistence, Sardinians walk every day, often up to 5 miles to tend to their sheep, visit their relatives and move their bodies. This consistent movement not only strengthens their hearts, muscles, bones and metabolisms, but also has been proven to greatly benefit brain function and memory. 

HEALTHY EATING 

Following their natural Mediterranean Diet, Sardinians eat mostly whole grains, vegetables, legumes and dairy, and supplement fish and meat into their diets only a few days per week. This low-fat diet that is rich in minimally processed foods is always enjoyed with others. 

In many ways, the Sardinian secret to longevity is their ability to remain somewhat isolated and deeply connected to each other and the land they inhabit. Embracing rich-social interactions, appreciating and caring for others, sustaining a healthful diet often provided by their own hands, and having consistent movement built into their everyday lifestyle has kept them healthier overall. This slower-paced lifestyle geared toward family connection, good food, and lots of laughter certainly resonates with us. We’re ready to sign up. Are you?