The term Blue Zone denotes areas of the world with a significantly higher than average life expectancy. In addition to a high percentage of centenarians, the planet’s five Blue Zones also boast elderly people with low rates of obesity, cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Besides the Sardinian province of Ogliastra, the other Blue Zones on the planet can be found in Japan, Costa Rica, Greece and California. All five Blue Zones are united by simple principles that each of us can apply:
- an active outdoor lifestyle to strengthen the immune system and reduce stress
- regular, moderate exercise (taking walks, working the land and being active in general)
- a healthy diet based on vegetables, fruit and meat in moderation
- an active social life involving spending time with family and other members of the community
In Ogliastra (particularly in the villages of Villagrande Strisaili, Arzana, Talana, Baunei, Urzulei and Triei), the regular consumption of olive oil, wholemeal sourdough bread, sheep and goat cheese, and Cannonau red wine, which is rich in polyphenols, is added to the list.