Bolotana, Italy, identified as a global hotspot for female longevity

The village of Bolotana, located in the Marghine Mountains of Sardinia, Italy, has gained international scientific attention due to its exceptionally high rate of longevity, particularly among women. Research published in ‘Frontiers in Aging’ indicates that women in Bolotana who reach age 70 have a 13.83% chance of living to be 100, a rate significantly higher than the Italian and US averages.

Scientists from the University of Sassari and the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating the phenomenon through the lenses of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Preliminary findings suggest that a combination of factors contributes to this longevity. Genetically, historical endogamy (marrying within a small population) may have stabilized favorable genetic variants that protect against age-related cardiovascular and tumor diseases.

Lifestyle factors also play a critical role. The local diet is characterized by low meat consumption—averaging only five times per month—and a reliance on homegrown vegetables, olive oil, wheat, homemade cheese, beans, and potatoes. Additionally, the physical demands of living in a mountainous terrain and strong social support systems within multi-generational families are believed to contribute to the community’s health. Researchers express concern that the introduction of modern processed foods and sedentary lifestyles could diminish these unique longevity traits in future generations.