Sardinia: Italy's Renowned Blue Zone
For years, the island of Sardinia has captivated the attention of demographers and longevity researchers. It was identified as one of the world's original "Blue Zones," regions where people live longer, healthier lives than the global average. Within Sardinia, the mountainous province of Ogliastra is particularly notable for its high concentration of centenarians, especially male centenarians, which is a rare demographic phenomenon.
Research has explored the secrets behind this remarkable longevity, and several factors stand out:
- Diet: The traditional Sardinian diet is primarily plant-based, featuring homegrown vegetables, whole grains, beans, and locally produced sheep's milk cheese (pecorino). Meat is eaten sparingly, and wild herbs are often foraged and incorporated into meals. Moderate consumption of Cannonau red wine, rich in antioxidants, is also common during social gatherings.
- Natural Movement: Instead of structured exercise, Sardinians incorporate consistent physical activity into their daily lives through activities like shepherding, farming, and walking along the region's hilly terrain. This low-intensity but constant movement helps maintain strong cardiovascular health.
- Community and Family: The strong emphasis on family and close-knit communities provides social support, reduces stress, and combats loneliness. Elders are highly respected and integrated into daily family life, giving them a strong sense of purpose.
Liguria: The Oldest Average Population
While Sardinia is famous for its centenarians, recent demographic data shows that Liguria is the region with Italy's oldest overall average age. As of 2025, Liguria has the largest proportion of residents aged 65 or older compared to any other Italian region. This aging trend is influenced by low birth rates combined with a high life expectancy. The region's aging index, which measures the ratio of elderly to young individuals, is the highest in the country.
Unlike the centenarian-focused Blue Zone research, Liguria's demographics reflect broader societal trends in Northern Italy. The factors contributing to its high average age include:
- Higher Standard of Living: Northern Italy, including Liguria, generally has a higher standard of living and better access to advanced healthcare, contributing to increased life expectancy.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Lower birth rates and internal migration patterns have contributed to a shrinking and aging population.
- Urban vs. Rural Differences: Unlike Sardinia, Liguria's older population is distributed across both its cities and rural areas, reflecting an overall societal demographic shift rather than a specific lifestyle in a secluded area.
Acciaroli: The Cilento Coast Anomaly
In Southern Italy, the small village of Acciaroli on the Cilento coast gained international attention for its unusually high number of centenarians in 2016. A study found that an extraordinary proportion of the village's residents were over 100 years old. While not an official "Blue Zone," the findings indicated remarkable longevity tied to the local lifestyle. Key factors included:
- Healthy Circulation: Researchers found that Acciaroli's centenarians exhibited exceptionally good blood circulation for their age, with low levels of the hormone adrenomedullin.
- Mediterranean Diet with a Twist: The local diet, heavy in rosemary and anchovies, was credited for its antioxidant and omega-3 content.
- Stress Management: Similar to Sardinia, a low-stress, community-oriented lifestyle was deemed vital to their well-being.
Italy's Longevity Regions: A Comparison
To better understand Italy's longevity hotspots, comparing the different regions provides valuable context.
| Characteristic | Sardinia (Ogliastra) | Liguria | Acciaroli (Cilento) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Designation | Established "Blue Zone" | Oldest average age | Longevity hotspot study |
| Key Focus | High density of centenarians, especially men | Highest proportion of residents aged 65+ | High concentration of centenarians in a small village |
| Dietary Habits | Plant-based, wild greens, pecorino cheese, Cannonau wine | Standard northern Italian/European diet with high living standards | Mediterranean diet with specific emphasis on rosemary and anchovies |
| Physical Activity | Consistent, low-intensity daily movement (shepherding, farming) | Less intensive daily movement, influenced by urban living | Daily physical activity through farming, walking, and coastal living |
| Social Factors | Strong family ties, high respect for elders | Reflects broader Italian societal changes, lower birth rates | Strong community ties and social engagement |
The Broader Context of Italian Aging
Italy's overall aging trend is driven by two main factors: low birth rates and high life expectancy, with the average life expectancy for Italians being over 80 years. While the northern regions like Liguria and Friuli-Venezia Giulia have the oldest average populations, the highest concentrations of centenarians are found in specific, often more rural or historically isolated areas like Sardinia. This suggests that while access to modern healthcare and good living standards prolong life generally, particular lifestyle factors in certain traditional communities play a critical role in reaching extreme old age.
This demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges for Italy, impacting its economy, healthcare system, and social fabric. For example, the town of San Giovanni Lipioni in central Italy embraced its distinction as the town with the oldest average population to attract new residents and investment. Researchers continue to study these longevity hotspots to better understand the keys to healthy aging.
Conclusion
When asking "Where are the oldest people in Italy?" the answer is twofold. For those curious about the highest concentration of true centenarians living exceptionally long lives, the mountainous provinces of Sardinia, part of a recognized Blue Zone, offer the most compelling evidence. However, for the region with the highest average age, reflecting broader demographic shifts, the answer is Liguria in northern Italy. The tiny southern village of Acciaroli also offers a unique case study in exceptional longevity. All these regions collectively contribute to Italy's status as a nation of long-livers, driven by a combination of a healthy lifestyle, strong social bonds, and a favorable environment, which can provide valuable lessons for healthy aging globally.
