What are the secrets of longevity among Perdasdefogu’s centenarians? In the village in Ogliastra, Sardinia, which has twice entered the Guinness Book of Records for the highest number of centenarians and the longest-living family on the planet, the reasons for long life are being investigated.

This small town in a tucked-away corner of the world has 10 centenarians out of a population of 1,765. That’s 13 times the national average for Italy.

“There is of course the fresh air and the good food, but I believe one of the reasons for their longevity is their approach to stress,” said Luisa Salaris, a demographics professor at the University of Cagliari. “They were born 100 years ago and certainly didn’t have an easy life – there would have been hunger and war. But they are people who have managed to adapt – if there’s a problem, they solve it quickly.”

“Reading, walking, playing cards … the simple things are the best things.” says one resident. Another says “Everything we ate came from the garden, what you put into your stomach is so important – if you abuse the stomach, it doesn’t resist.”

Perdasdefogu hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including a literary festival. Books are believed locally to have played a part in residents’ longevity.

“Another important factor is that Perdasdefogu conserves the sense of community. The elderly still live at home and not in care homes. Sociality is so important because if you have good social contacts, you remember, talk, and evaluate … you live well.”

Source: The Guardian

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/aug/08/if-you-talk-you-live-well-the-remote-sardinian-village-famed-for-longevity