Emma Morano: Italy's Oldest Person Ever
Emma Martina Luigia Morano, born on November 29, 1899, holds the record as the oldest Italian person ever recorded and was also, for a time, the world's oldest living person. Her incredible longevity spanned three centuries, and she died on April 15, 2017, at the age of 117 years and 137 days. Born in the Piedmont region, Morano's life story is a testament to resilience, having endured both World Wars and overcoming a difficult marriage. She famously attributed her long life to a unique diet consisting of three eggs a day (two raw and one cooked) and maintaining a sense of independence after leaving her abusive husband in 1938. Her life has been the subject of several studies, as researchers sought to understand the factors behind her exceptional lifespan.
The Current Oldest Living Italian
While Emma Morano holds the historical record, the title of the oldest living person in Italy is a distinction that passes from one supercentenarian to another. As of September 28, 2025, the oldest living person in Italy is Lucia Laura Sangenito. Born on November 22, 1910, in Campania, Sangenito is over 114 years old and has been validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG). The verification of these claims is crucial, as it involves rigorous documentation to ensure accuracy. The GRG and the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) are key entities in this process, dedicating efforts to scientifically validate and track the world's oldest individuals.
The Science of Longevity in Italy
Italy is renowned for its high number of centenarians, particularly in certain regions known as "Blue Zones." The island of Sardinia is a prime example, with a remarkably high concentration of male centenarians. Research into these populations suggests that a combination of genetic, dietary, and social factors play a significant role in promoting longevity.
- Genetics: While genetics only account for about 20% of life expectancy, certain genetic traits are believed to be more prevalent in these long-lived communities.
- Active Lifestyle: Sardinian centenarians often engage in moderate, consistent physical activity throughout their lives, such as walking, farming, and shepherding in the rugged, hilly terrain.
- Mediterranean Diet: The traditional Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil, is a cornerstone of the diet in these areas. Meat is consumed in moderation.
- Social and Family Ties: Strong community bonds and a high level of respect for elders mean that older Italians are integrated into family and social life, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
A Comparison of Notable Italian Supercentenarians
| Feature | Emma Morano (Deceased) | Lucia Laura Sangenito (Current) | Sardinian Centenarians | General Italian Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age at Time of Record | 117 years, 137 days | Over 114 years old (as of Sep 2025) | Varied, but high concentration | Life expectancy averages 84.26 years (2025) |
| Dietary Habits | Unique diet of raw eggs, pasta, raw meat | No widely reported unique dietary secret | Traditional Mediterranean diet, Cannonau wine | Shifting from traditional to modern dietary patterns |
| Lifestyle | Valued independence, single since 1938 | Private individual, little public information | Active, physically integrated into daily life | Varied, but with a general emphasis on walking |
| Social Factors | Strong family ties, but valued personal space | Strong family ties are common in Italy | High social integration, respect for elders | Strong family support system |
| Region of Origin | Piedmont, Northern Italy | Campania, Southern Italy | Sardinia, a Mediterranean island | Varies by region, Northern regions generally wealthier |
The Role of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a well-researched factor contributing to Italian longevity. It's a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil. This dietary pattern has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. In Southern Italy, for example, studies have shown that high adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked to additional years of survival within a cohort. While Morano’s specific diet was an anomaly, it is the overall, culturally ingrained dietary practices of the Mediterranean region that are most often cited as a key to Italian longevity.
Conclusion
While Emma Morano holds the all-time record for who is the oldest person to live in Italy, the title of the oldest living person continually changes. Currently, that distinction belongs to Lucia Laura Sangenito, a supercentenarian from Campania. The stories of these individuals highlight both unique personal circumstances and broader, replicable lifestyle and social factors that contribute to Italy's status as a country with a high life expectancy. From the specific dietary habits of Emma Morano to the active, community-oriented lifestyle of Sardinian villagers, the secrets to Italian longevity are as varied and rich as the nation's culture. For more information on the Italian supercentenarian population, a great resource is the Wikipedia page which tracks and validates these individuals: List of Italian supercentenarians.
