Jessica Roy reports for National Geographic on Bolotana, a small village in Sardinia, where a high proportion of residents live to 100–11 times greater than in the US! Bolotana is what some call a “blue zone.” What is it about the place that leads to a long life?
What’s particularly interesting about Bolotana is that the proportion of older people is growing. While Okinawa, Japan and Ikaria, Greece have a high proportion of older people and are also what are known as “blue zones,” their numbers are shrinking.
Researchers found life expectancy for women to be much higher than in other places with people who live long lives. Women in Bolotana who reached the age of 70 had nearly a 14 percent chance of reaching 100!
What is it about Bolotana that leads to such a high proportion of people who live long lives? The overwhelming percentage of the population lived on a plant-based diet. They eat meat on average five times a month. They also eat cheese, olive oil and wheat, all of which they make. They also eat beans and pastas. And, they eat no fast foods whatsoever.
They don’t go to the gym. There is no gym in Boltana. But, the terrain is steep and there are no cars, so the residents get a work out naturally.
In addition, the generations live together, so the older members of the family have built in support. And, they have the joys of being surrounded by children and those they love.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Strength training promotes longevity
- Blue Zones: Do they really promote long lives?
- Skip the keto diet, go Mediterranean
- You’re never too old to run
- Optimism reduces risk of dementia
