Ogliastra is among the 5 Blue Zones of the world: in the Sardinian territory you live better and longer

Sardinia is a land of ancient traditions, characterized by splendid landscapes and historical sites of great interest, where local culture is rooted in the simplicity of daily life. One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, Sardinia hides a secret: it is one of the rare “blue zones” of the planet, that is, a geographical area where life expectancy is significantly higher than the world average.

What is the blue zone?

The term “Blue Zone” was coined by researchers Gianni Pes and Michel Poulain in 2004, when they published a pioneering study on human longevity. Analyzing demographic data, they discovered that some villages in the province of Nuoro had an anomalous concentration of men and women who were over 100 years old, and to highlight these areas on the map, they drew blue circles, from which the name of the phenomenon derives.

In addition to the Sardinia (the blue zone refers to the province of Nuoro and the mountain villages of the regions of Ogliastra and Barbagia di Ollolai) other blue zones have been identified in Okinawa (Japan), Icaria (Greece), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica) e Loma Linda (California, USA).

But what makes these areas so special? The answer is a complex combination of environmental, social and cultural factors, so there is no single secret, but rather a set of shared habits, which appear to have a positive impact on the length and quality of life.

Ogliastra: the heart of the Sardinian blue zone

Ogliastra, located in the eastern part of Sardinia, is one of the most representative places of the Blue Zone. This extraordinary area embodies not only the beauty of the landscapes, between mountains, forests and uncontaminated coast, but also a community strongly linked to a simple and authentic lifestyle, which has been proven to promote exceptional longevity. In small villages like Arzana, Talana, Baunei and Triei, time seems to pass at a different pace: the inhabitants, many of whom are over a hundred years old, share a life marked by contact with nature, traditions and the importance of family ties.

The local culture is a mix of ancient roots and traditions that embrace every aspect of everyday life, from the cuisine – based on local products and environmentally friendly cultivation methods – to the importance of an active, outdoor life.

In Ogliastra, respect for the land is almost a cult, and the elderly pass on to the younger ones the knowledge of medicinal plants and wild herbs, fundamental elements for a healthy lifestyle. The combination of natural nutrition, daily physical activity and strong social relationships seems to be the true secret of a long and full life, making Ogliastra one of the most fascinating and studied examples in the world in the field of longevity.

The secrets of centenarians: family and community as pillars

One of the fundamental elements for Sardinian longevity is the role of the family and the community, a value particularly felt in Ogliastra. In Sardinia, the family is the cornerstone of social life: the elderly maintain an active and respected role within the community, and this sense of belonging helps to reduce stress and keep the spirit alive. Being surrounded by people who care about your well-being and share similar habits creates a stable environment, which can positively impact your mental and physical health.

Stress reduction and natural physical activity

In Ogliastra, as in the other Blue Zones, people lead a peaceful life, not stressed by the accumulation of material goods or social competition. The day was lived slowly and in harmony with the rhythms of nature, spent in simple activities such as cultivating the land, preparing meals and walking on the hills and in the woods. Contact with the natural environment and unstructured physical activity – such as walking, gathering herbs, working in the fields – help keep the body and mind healthy, slowing down the aging process.

For the more passionate, Ogliastra offers notable physical challenges, such as trekking Wild Blue – a seven-day excursion that includes sections of climbing and via ferrata, or the route to the Gorropu canyonthe deepest in Europe. These experiences not only keep the body fit, but allow you to immerse yourself in the wildest and most authentic nature of Sardinia, cultivating a deep connection with the land and traditions.

Simple but nutritious food and the spirituality of the Earth

The diet of Sardinian centenarians, another secret of their longevity, is an example of a simple but balanced diet. It is based on natural and local ingredients: legumes, whole grains, vegetables, carasau bread, and pecorino and goat cheeses. Wine, like Cannonau, also plays an important role in the diet, consumed in company during meals, enriching the moment with a sense of conviviality which is fundamental to the life of Sardinians.

Furthermore, the deep connection with the land contributes to this inner balance: in Ogliastra, spirituality is not just a religious question, but an intimate relationship with nature, which inspires a sense of belonging and harmony. Sardinian elderly people find serenity and satisfaction in dedicating themselves to the land, cultivating fruit and vegetables which they then bring to the table, in a continuous cycle of life and regeneration.

A model to imitate

In recent years, Sardinia has become an international case study, in which documentaries, television programs and scientific articles have tried to reveal the mysteries behind the longevity of its inhabitants, although perhaps the secret is simpler than you think: living a life full of meaning, cultivate genuine relationships and nourish yourself with what the earth offers.

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