What Sardinia Taught Me About Life

Sardinia: Where even the sheep live longer than we do! I heard about this Blue Zone on Netflix and in the NYTimes, and I was like, what the cheese?! So I hopped on a plane and took a ferry over Easter to investigate how the heck these Sardinians are living to be 100. And let me tell you, driving around there was like navigating a maze of centenarians on scooters.
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Blue Zone? More like 'Blue Paradise'! It's where people forget to die and keep on living. It's a magical land where you can collect social security and still have all your teeth. Or so they say. But seriously, a Blue Zone is where folks live longer than average, and Sardinia is leading the way. So if you want to learn the secrets of eternal youth, pack your bags and head to the land of pasta and pensioners!

Ok, time to get a bit serious. A "Blue Zone" refers to a region with varying boundaries where the inhabitants experience longer, healthier, and happier lives. Sardinia is distinguished as one of the five globally recognized Blue Zones, boasting the highest number of male inhabitants over the age of 100.

What sets Sardinia apart from other Blue Zones is its unique characteristic of having a nearly equal number of male and female centenarians. This is quite rare, as in other parts of the world, there tend to be about five times more women than men over the age of 100. Therefore, the case of Sardinia's Blue Zone is even more remarkable.

Despite Sardinia being classified as a Blue Zone, the region where ultra-centenarians reside is relatively small. The greatest concentration of these remarkable communities is located in specific areas, namely Ogliastra (Villagrande Strisaili, Arzana, Talana, Baunei, Urzulei, and Triei), Barbagia (with a focus on Tiana, Ovodda, Ollolai, Gavoi, Fonni, Mamoiada, Orgosolo, and Oliena), and Seulo in the southern region of the island.

The remaining four Blue Zones are global: Okinawa Island in Japan, Loma Linda in California, the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, and Ikaria in Greece. If you're interested in learning more about these areas, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the secrets of longevity and well-being.

In the early 2000s, the French scholar Michel Poulain was the first to introduce the concept of the "Blue Zone." Shortly after, he teamed up with Gianni Pes, who had been studying the remarkable longevity of Sardinian people for two decades. Together, they mapped out the five Blue Zones officially recognized in 2016.

The researchers, including Dan Buettner, who later joined the team, were intrigued by the exceptional lifespan of individuals living in these geographically distant and diverse regions. They aimed to uncover the secrets behind their longevity. Although each Blue Zone possesses several unique factors, the researchers identified common elements contributing to this "long-life miracle."

Time for a Sardinian-style explanation of what makes these people tick. 

Why do Sardinians live so long?

The food - Eating Your Way to Immortality
Food is undeniably the main factor that affects our bodies. Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent severe health problems and promote overall well-being. This is precisely what people in the Blue Zones, including Sardinians, follow to ensure a long and healthy life.

Sardinians are known for their love of traditional dishes, which they prepare healthily. They prefer olive oil over butter as a seasoning, as it is lower in saturated fats. Additionally, they consume many homemade and locally grown products such as cheese (pecorino cheese is famous), fruits, and vegetables, especially in rural areas where farming and sheep-herding are the main activities. Their diet primarily consists of cereals, mainly barley, and they eat very little meat and fish except on special occasions like Sundays and festivals. Sardinians are religious people, and spirituality, religion, and attending mass also contribute to their long life expectancy by providing a sense of structure in their daily lives.

Sardinians' frugal diet is crucial for their long life expectancy. However, one more secret to their health and longevity is Cannonau, a traditional wine with a unique chemical composition that promotes wellness. Sardinians consume Cannonau in moderate amounts, making it another great ally in their quest for a longer life.

Family is Everything - Your family may be crazy, but they're YOUR crazy: Embrace the chaos because, let's face it, you can't choose them!
Family is a crucial element for a long and contented life. Sadly, older people are often viewed as a burden in modern society, leading to a lack of respect and care. Blue Zones communities, conversely, highly esteem their elders, who are not considered a hindrance but rather an integral and valued part of the family. Their opinions are highly regarded, and they actively participate in all social activities. The sense of being loved and integrated into their surroundings, combined with the interconnectedness of families, significantly contributes to their longevity.

Older people are viewed as wise teachers in these communities. Having lived the longest, they have a wealth of knowledge on cultivating better crops, raising healthier livestock, and preparing the best meals. They impart this wisdom to younger generations and educate the younger children. The traditional method of raising children, which consists of the participation of unknown grandmothers who scold them for their misdeeds, is still prevalent.

In Sardinia, there is no thought of discarding elderly family members. This way of life benefits everyone and extends beyond families to the entire social community.

In Sardinia, you are ALWAYS part of something. 
In small Sardinian villages, where everyone knows each other, the concept of family and community is broad, and cooperation is necessary. Individualism is not valued, and older people actively participate in village life, from simple gardening tasks to organizing festivals and events.

Religion remains a significant aspect of these villages, as attending church and observing biblical teachings is essential for the community's well-being. Everyone is valued and respected, and no one is left out or forgotten, reflecting how people live.

In addition to a natural, seasonal diet, mental health is crucial for the inhabitants of Blue Zones, leading to a stress-free life that follows the slow rhythm of nature and seasons. Everything falls into place without pressure, making Sardinia one of the five Blue Zones.

Smoking Prohibited
It should come as no surprise that smoking tobacco significantly shortens our lifespan. However, the people from Blue Zones don't feel the urge to smoke, as they live stress-free lives with no social pressure. They don't pay attention to health campaigns or become obsessed with health. Instead, they view smoking as an addiction that doesn't benefit their community.

In these villages, frugality and hard work are the foundation of their existence, leaving no room for bad habits like smoking. Smoking won't improve their crops, meat, cheese, or bread, and it ruins the taste of their beloved Cannonau.

This is just a glimpse of what Blue Zones are and why Sardinia is one of them. Although Sardinia faces problems like the rest of the world, its people approach life positively and take great pride in their island and community.
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Sardinia: The land of pasta and pensioners! Where even the sheep live longer than we do. But seriously, Sardinia is a fascinating Blue Zone where people forget to die and keep living. From their frugal diet of locally grown products to their love and care for their elders, there's much to learn from the Sardinian way of life. And hey, if you want to learn these secrets of eternal youth, you might get a tan while you're at it!​

Perhaps it's the fresh air, the nutrient-rich food, or the relaxed pace of life, but there's no denying that Sardinia's timeless beauty seems to imbue its people with an extra dose of vitality and longevity.

Sardinians taught me that true happiness comes from cherishing the simple things in life like good food, close relationships, and beautiful scenery, rather than material possessions. They also showed me the importance of taking time to slow down and appreciate the present moment, rather than constantly striving for the next big thing.