Sardinian Village of Bolotana Could Become a New “Blue Zone” for Longevity

Researchers have found exceptionally high longevity rates, particularly among women, in the village of Bolotana on the Italian island of Sardinia, according to The Guardian. Scientists believe the place could be added to the so-called “blue zones”, areas where people far more often reach a very old age. The findings show how life expectancy can differ markedly even between nearby regions.

What the study found

The study, carried out at the University of Illinois Chicago, analysed demographic data on about 2,300 Bolotana residents and looked at the life stories of people born in the village between 1900 and 1925. Of 3,060 people in that group, at least 38 lived to 100.

Bolotana women rank second in the world for life expectancy at age 70 and for the likelihood of reaching 100, behind only women in Hong Kong. Almost 14% of those who reach 70 live to 100. In Italy the figure is about 3.5%, and in the United States about 3.6%. For Bolotana women who have reached 70, life expectancy is roughly 91 years.

The study's author noted that women almost everywhere in the world outlive men, yet this was not the case in Sardinia, which makes the place unusual.

Possible explanations

Researchers cannot yet say definitively what explains the longevity. Diet, daily physical activity, genetic features and close social ties are named as possible factors. The village lies in hilly terrain with steep streets, so residents often get around on foot. Many grow much of their own food, including olive oil. Many families live close to one another, which reduces the risk of social isolation.

The author stresses that if the traits underlying this longevity can be identified and people helped to adopt them, the rest of the world could benefit from the values these communities support.

What a “blue zone” is

The term originated in research on Sardinia. In 2004, scientists marked on a map with blue circles the settlements with an especially high number of centenarians. Okinawa in Japan and the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica were later counted among the best-known blue zones.