Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea, is internationally recognised as one of the world's blue zones, a concept that defines areas where inhabitants tend to live longer and enjoy healthier lives. The longevity of the Sardinians has caught the attention of scientists and health enthusiasts alike, who seek to discover the secrets of their prolonged life. The keys to this longevity lie not only in diet and lifestyle, but in a unique combination of geographical, social and cultural factors. Here we explore the practices and traditions that make Sardinia a special and healthy place.
Sardinia's Traditional Mediterranean Diet
Sardinia's Mediterranean diet is known for its richness in fresh and natural products. Unlike other areas where the Western diet has gained ground, Sardinia still follows traditional eating patterns. The basis of their diet includes fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fruits and the ever-present olive oil. This focus on unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods brings multiple health benefits, such as preventing cardiovascular disease and improving metabolic function.
In addition, Pecorino cheese, a type of sheep's milk cheese that is particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients beneficial to cardiovascular health, is consumed by the Pecorino people. Unlike Okinawa, another famous blue area, where consumption of dairy products is limited, in Sardinia dairy plays a major role in the diet. This focus on fresh, local dairy helps to meet the nutritional needs of the population, especially in rural areas where access to other types of protein may be limited.
Moderate Consumption of Cannonau Wine
Cannonau wine is a red wine variety grown in Sardinia that has high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to protect the cardiovascular system. Sardinians tend to consume this wine in moderation and as part of meals, which not only provides antioxidant benefits, but also promotes social interaction and relaxation, two key factors in reducing stress. By comparison, in Loma Linda, another blue zone in California, alcohol consumption is prohibited for religious reasons. However, in Sardinia, Cannonau is a symbol of tradition that, consumed in small quantities, contributes to longevity.
Active and Traditional Lifestyle
An essential aspect of the Sardinian lifestyle is daily physical activity. In mountainous areas of the island, especially in the Barbagia region, many elderly men have worked as shepherds all their lives. This work leads them to walk long distances over steep terrain, providing a steady and moderate form of exercise that strengthens the heart, muscles and overall physical endurance.
This type of constant and moderate exercise differs from activities such as tai chi in Okinawa, as in Sardinia physical activity is integrated into daily life, creating a harmonious relationship between work, health and well-being.
Strong Family Ties and Sense of Community
In Sardinia, family relationships are fundamental to emotional well-being and longevity. The elderly are highly respected and often live surrounded by their children, grandchildren and other relatives, which provides them with a sense of belonging and constant emotional support. This social structure not only strengthens family ties, but also allows for a sharing of care responsibilities, which reduces stress and improves quality of life. In Okinawa, the concept of ‘moai’ also emphasises the importance of social support, although in Sardinia the family structure tends to be more patriarchal.
Intergenerational relationships are particularly strong in Sardinia, and the community plays an important role in family celebrations and rituals, such as Sunday lunches. These gatherings strengthen cultural identity and promote values of respect and care between all generations, contributing to a more balanced life and stable mental health.
Calm Rhythm of Life and Connection with Nature
Life in Sardinia is characterised by a tranquil rhythm, in which rest, social relations and connection with nature are a priority. Sardinians have a naturally stress-reducing approach to life, allowing them to enjoy every moment and maintain a positive outlook. This inner peace and calm are aspects that differentiate them from other more urbanised areas, where the pace of life is fast-paced.
The relationship with nature is essential in Sardinia. The mountainous geography and access to fertile land create an environment in which people can enjoy outdoor activities, benefit from fresh air and have access to healthy, local food. Connection with nature is central to the pastoralist lifestyle, as shepherds spend long hours outdoors, tending their sheep and walking through landscapes that foster a sense of well-being and belonging to their land.
Sardinian Pastoral Culture and Local Products
In Sardinia, local products are the mainstay of the diet and lifestyle. Pecorino cheese, Cannonau wine and locally grown grains, such as ‘carta di musica’ bread, are staples that provide both nutrients and a sense of cultural identity. The pastoral lifestyle involves not only the production of local food, but also respect for the land and nature, which strengthens the connection between the inhabitants and their environment.
Consuming local products also ensures that the food they eat is fresh and unprocessed, which reduces the risk of diseases related to modern diets, such as diabetes or hypertension. Compared to Nicoya, another blue zone in Costa Rica, where the diet is mainly based on maize and beans, in Sardinia there is a diversity of Mediterranean foods that enrich the diet and provide high nutritional value.
Sardinia's Key Differences from Other Blue Zones
In Sardinia, longevity has some particularities that distinguish it from other blue zones. For example, unlike Okinawa, where women live significantly longer than men, in Sardinia male longevity is notable. This difference is attributed to the herders' active lifestyle and diet rich in healthy fats. In contrast to Loma Linda, where alcohol is prohibited, in Sardinia moderate wine consumption is common practice and is associated with cardiovascular health.
Conclusion
Sardinia offers a healthy lifestyle model based on a Mediterranean diet, an active lifestyle, strong family ties and a leisurely pace of life. These factors, together with the connection to nature and the pastoral tradition, create a unique combination that has enabled Sardinians to live long and healthy lives, making this island one of the most unique blue areas in the world.
Written by Joan Montaner. We rely on AI technology. Translated by Irene Perea.