BLUE ZONE is one of the newest vocabulary I got acquainted with, when I arrived in Ogliastra, Sardegna, Italy. Blue zone refers to geographic regions where people exceptionally lived longer.
Ogliastra, Sardinia is one of the five blue zones in the world. The other four are: Icaria (Greece), Okinawa, (Japan), Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica) and Loma Linda, California (USA).
Since the beginning of 1900, there were around 4,000 centenarians recorded in Sardinia, according to the publication of Tottus In Pari.
Sardinia (Sardegna) is located on the west side of the Italian Peninsula. It is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily. Sardinia is one of Europe’s best and most-loved island holiday destinations, with its pristine golden beaches, dramatic vegetation, exquisite food and relaxed pace of life.
The soil, sun and sports are the 3 fundamental elements, centenarians observed, to live longer than the rest of the continent, says Patrizia Usala, a friend who hails from Sardinia’s blue zone, Ogliastra.
She explained that Sardinian centenarians lived in villages and spent a lot of time outdoors. They had deep connection with nature, that each day they go out before the sun, to till their land. My mother’s friend who is 95 years old, used to say I am going to the gym. The gym she was referring to is her farm.
Farming and tending to animals were the centenarian way of life. In their spare time, they walked in the woods, make some cheeses or anything to make them busy. For them, their environment is a sacred place, a holy space. These amazing people slept approximately 6 hours a day. They followed their animals rest and sleep pattern.
Foods bred in Sardinia are genuine and healthy because of the rich unblemished soil, sprightly water from the mountain, the clean crisp air and peaceful atmosphere. The pecorino cheese (made from sheep and goat milk) is the typical cheese regularly consumed in the region.
These cheeses are usually homemade, though can also be purchased in particular food shops. We ate what we produced and we do not allow chemicals touch our land. Rich in those days, means you have vast of land that produces abundant food. Our diet is comprised of plenty fresh fruits and vegetables.
Sardinians are inborn experts in food. We know the look, touch and smell of a healthy produce. We can tell which ones are not organic, fresh and grown according to our standard. Even the olive oil, we only buy it if its homemade or from our local producers. If ever we buy one in the supermarket, we only buy the ones from a manufacturer that we know. We are notable for being selective and distinct, for we are accustomed to fine foods.
Another factor that contributes to longevity is our unique Cannonau wine (red wine) from Ogliastra. Cannonau is a special type of succulent grape. It is the typical wine drunk everyday by the Sards.
Lunch is the most important meal for us. For breakfast, we generally eat biscuits, cookies accompanied by milk or coffee. One of our famous dessert is “sebada”, it is made of homemade fried pasta in round shape, with cheese filling and pure honey toppings. Majority of our dishes contains cheese and we only eat freshly baked breads.
My grandfather who passed at the age of 90, never visited a doctor or dentist in his life. Our elderlies lived without manmade synthetic medicines and hospitals. They know how to heal themselves with the guidance of their natural instinct. The doctors in their time, used substantial natural healing methods and ingredients.
Medicine women were the most sought for healers in that generation. These mystical women used powerful natural secret concoctions and special prayers to end the sufferings of their patients. At the present, we have holistic healers, which we call “janas” or fairy.
Genetics is also one of the main components why the people in Sardinia lived longer than the rest of the population in the sphere. The individuals living to these ages are almost always related, with an inherent strong physique.
The centenarians are mostly married. It is common in our town, when a couple celebrates 75 years of marriage. Our family relation is a priority, as well as the tradition of sharing – harvests, products, also our problems. Our community culture is incredible. It makes you feel secure, confident and important.
Being in a paradise like Sardinia gives you a reason to live longer. A place where your mind and body can be in a perfect still embrace.
Namaste.