Bolotana identified as potential Blue Zone

Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago have identified the Sardinian village of Bolotana as a potential new ‘Blue Zone’ due to the exceptional longevity of its female residents. A study published in Frontiers in Aging indicates that women in Bolotana who reach age 70 have a 13.8% probability of living to 100, a rate significantly higher than the national averages in Italy (3.5%) and the United States (3.6%).

Local officials and researchers attribute this longevity to lifestyle factors, including a diet rich in cereals and vegetables, pristine natural environments, and high levels of physical activity. While Sardinia has been recognized since 1999 for its high concentration of male centenarians, this research highlights a similar phenomenon among women in the Marghine mountain range.

Studies suggest that while genetics account for approximately 20% of lifespan, the remaining 80% is determined by lifestyle factors such as diet and social habits. Bolotana joins other globally recognized Blue Zones located in Japan, Costa Rica, and Greece.