Bolotana identified as key Blue Zone for female longevity

Research into Blue Zones—regions where inhabitants live significantly longer than average—highlights the impact of lifestyle on longevity. Studies suggest that genetics account for only about 20% of lifespan, while the remaining 80% is determined by lifestyle factors such as diet and social habits.

A study by the University of Illinois Chicago, published in Frontiers in Aging, identified the Sardinian village of Bolotana as a significant area for female longevity. Researchers found that 13.8% of women in Bolotana who reach age 70 live to be 100, a rate significantly higher than the 3.5% to 3.6% observed in Italy and the United States. In 2024, the village had six residents aged 100 or older.

Key longevity habits identified in Blue Zones, including Okinawa (Japan), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Ikaria (Greece), include high physical activity, strong social ties, and diets rich in plant-based foods similar to the Mediterranean diet. Experts suggest that avoiding caloric excess and practicing intermittent fasting may also contribute to increased healthy life expectancy.