Researchers have identified a small mountain village in Sardinia, Italy, that may be the next “blue zone,” a region where people tend to live unusually long, healthy lives. The village, called Bolotana, has a population of roughly 2,300 residents and is located near one of the already validated blue zones.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Aging, analyzed demographic records from Bolotana and found a strong pattern of survival among older adults, especially women.
What Makes a Blue Zone?
To become a validated blue zone, the team must confirm the ages of long-lived residents through cross-checked historical records, assess population-wide demographic indicators, and show that longevity in the region is at least 50% higher than the national average. The formal validation process takes time, and while Bolotana’s numbers are compelling, it has not yet been officially labeled a blue zone.
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Survival Advantage for Women
One of the interesting findings in Bolotana is the pronounced survival advantage for women. In other blue zones, such as Sardinia and Ikaria, the ratio of male to female centenarians is close to even, which is unusual since women typically outlive men by a wider margin elsewhere. However, in Bolotana, women have a significant longevity edge.
This observation has implications for our understanding of sex differences in aging. Scientists can study the factors that contribute to the longevity of women in Bolotana to gain insights into what promotes healthy aging.
Lessons from the Blue Zone Playbook
While Bolotana is not yet an officially validated blue zone, its survival data is strong enough to draw scientific attention. The village’s lifestyle and environment may hold lessons for the rest of us on how to promote healthy aging. Across the validated blue zones, common factors include a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, and strong social connections.