photo courtesy: Dolce & Gabbana
Having lived in Italy for some time now, I have been captivated by the unique lifestyle and culture of this country. One remarkable phenomenon that stands out is the prevalence of elderly individuals who have surpassed the age of 90 and continue to thrive.
Unlike anywhere else I have been in Europe or the US, Italy seems to be teeming with seniors. You can spot them in the streets, joyfully conversing and gesticulating in their distinctively Italian way. They are present in restaurants, hair salons, shopping malls, and subways, and even diligently working in their businesses well into their golden years.
For instance, last winter, the owner and patisserie chef of the restaurant where my husband worked as the Executive Chef, was an astonishing 94 years old. Without fail, she would show up every day, spending at least 12 hours in the kitchen. Yet, she is not an exception but rather a common sight in Italy.
During my time here, I have pondered extensively on unraveling their secrets. How is it that these individuals are living such long lives? And why is it that people from other parts of the world aren't experiencing the same longevity? What is their secret?
You may have heard of centenarians, those who reach the age of 100 and beyond. There are five regions on Earth known as Blue Zones, where a significant number of centenarians reside. These places have baffled scientists for years as they strive to uncover the hidden truths behind the exceptional longevity observed in these areas. One such Blue Zone is located in Sardinia, in the south of Italy. While I leave the exploration of this specific zone to the scientists, I continue to observe the rest of Italy and its thriving 90+ year-olds, which has become a regular occurrence in my daily life.
From my travels across Italy, spanning from north to south, I have discovered that while the natural landscapes, culture, traditions, and cuisine may vary, the one constant is the presence of a substantial number of individuals in their 90s and beyond. This is no longer just a characteristic of a specific Blue Zone; it is a nationwide phenomenon. These individuals are clearly doing something different from the rest of us, something that bestows upon them the blessing of reaching and surpassing their 90th birthdays.
So, let's embark on a journey to explore the reasons behind this fascinating mystery of Italian longevity. However, it's important to note that this investigation is not grounded in a scientific study but rather stems from personal observations.
1- The Mediterranean diet
Yes, I understand that you may have heard about this numerous times already. Still, please allow me to explain why the Mediterranean diet is more than just another passing internet trend or a fleeting health fad like the keto diet or others. It is a genuine approach to healthy living. The Mediterranean diet revolves around consuming vegetables, fruits, fish, legumes, and plenty of virgin olive oil—essentially, every dietitian always recommends: eating nutritious, unprocessed food. It's not groundbreaking information, right?
However, there's more to it than simply eating these foods. It's crucial to consume them fresh and in season. This aspect holds great importance for our health. Seasonal produce is not only fresher and tastier, but it is also richer in nutrients since it doesn't have to endure long journeys from distant places. Additionally, seasonal produce avoids the inclusion of additives (which can be harmful to our health) or pesticides that are used to preserve food when it's out of season. In essence, the sooner the food reaches our plates, the better it is for our well-being.
2- Weather
Have you ever noticed how a cloudy day can leave you feeling exhausted and devoid of motivation? Weather plays a significant role in maintaining our mental well-being. And we all know that when our mental health thrives, it positively impacts our physical well-being as well.
Italy is truly fortunate to experience the beauty of four distinct seasons, ranging from snowfall to sun-drenched days, from rain showers to gentle breezes, all year round. This diverse weather pattern is incredibly essential in nurturing the mental health of Italians, making them happier and more cheerful compared to other nations.
Poor weather conditions can create a somber and cold atmosphere, leading to moody and emotionally vulnerable personalities. Such conditions can make individuals more susceptible to depression. Moody weather has an innate ability to trigger melancholy. It's easier to shed tears when watching the rain pouring down all day, just as it's easier to laugh and smile when basking in the warm embrace of sunlight.
Moreover, favorable weather conditions enable the growth of fresh produce, and Italy is blessed with the ability to cultivate a wide variety of exceptional food locally.
By having such diverse weather throughout the year, Italy not only enhances the mental well-being of its inhabitants but also provides the ideal conditions for the production of high-quality, in-house food.
3- Small Food Portions
The first thing I noticed when I arrived in Italy was that people here, regardless of their age, generally have bodies that are proportionate and healthy, without excess weight. It puzzled me, considering that Italians are known for being avid consumers of pasta and pizza, perhaps more than any other population. However, the key to their physique lies in portion control. While they do enjoy pasta every day and pizza on weekends, they consume these dishes in small portions. This mindful approach to eating is why Italians maintain good physical shape and rarely struggle with overweight issues.
4- Merenda – The Happy Meal
Have you ever heard of "merenda"? It's more than just a snack—it's a concept rooted in respect. The word "Merenda" translates to "things you deserve" in English. It refers to a small meal enjoyed between lunch and dinner. Typically, merenda consists of a sweet treat like a cappuccino paired with a slice of cake, a brioche, a small sandwich, or other delightful and healthy Italian finger foods. It's a joyful and tasty indulgence that, even if not the healthiest option, is still considered well-deserved because it brings happiness. That's the essence of merenda.
Italians strongly believe in granting themselves permission to enjoy something pleasurable. They understand the need to treat themselves and find joy in food. Merenda represents a delightful moment of self-appreciation, and Italians wholeheartedly embrace it.
5- Siesta
If you've ever visited Italy, one noticeable aspect is the shutdown of businesses and workplaces from midday until 3 pm. During this time, nobody works. If you happen to be in a local store making a purchase at 11:59 am, they might kindly ask you to leave empty-handed. Italians prioritize their rest during these hours and value it more than immediate financial gain.
During the sacred three-hour period, Italians typically enjoy lunch with their families and take a nap. The atmosphere in every Italian town during this time can seem quiet and inactive. This tradition is known as "Siesta," meaning "the sixth hour." While originally introduced in Latin culture as a means to escape the heat during hot seasons, it has become a daily practice year-round.
The purpose of Siesta is to reduce exhaustion, alleviate stress, and increase productivity during the later hours of the day. By taking a break during the so-called "dead hours," Italians aim to maintain their well-being and achieve better work performance.
6- Local Traditions
In addition to the public holidays listed on the calendar, Italians have a penchant for engaging in local festivities. Every town or village has its own unique traditions, special days, and schedule of entertainment throughout the year. Italians take pleasure in involving their communities in large gatherings where they can relish delicious food, sing, dance, and enjoy life to the fullest.
For instance, tomorrow in the region where I currently reside (Emilia Romagna), it is "Il Giorno del Cinghiale," which translates to "The Day of the Boar." Italians always find reasons to celebrate, and this day serves as another opportunity to gather and rejoice. It involves offering wild boar meat in restaurants or cooking it at home, while families and communities come together to celebrate another blessing.
These local festivities allow Italians to cherish their cultural heritage, strengthen community bonds, and appreciate the joyous moments in life.
7- Active retirment
It is undeniable that Italians have a deep love for sports, and I'm not just referring to football (soccer). They embrace a wide range of sports and recreational activities. However, one particular activity they are heavily invested in is cycling. What's surprising is that it's not the youth who are the most passionate about these activities, but the elders. It's common to witness an 80+ year-old cycling passionately on the road, adorned in professional cycling attire and equipped with top-notch gear. They enjoy mountain biking, city cycling, participating in marathons, and engaging in endless bike tours and competitions—all during the third generation of their lives.
While in other nations retirement may be seen as a negative and melancholic phase, in Italy, it is perceived very differently. Italians view life after retirement as the best time of their lives. They see it as an opportunity to fully embrace life, indulge in new thrills, and gain new experiences. Having fulfilled their tasks and responsibilities, they consider this stage as a time for enjoyment, fun, and pleasure. Retirement becomes a gateway to a vibrant and fulfilling chapter of their lives.
8- Embracing “La Bella Vita!”
Italians are truly masters of embracing life to the fullest—their famous "La Bella Vita" ideology! While they may not be the biggest fans of work, they still manage to find a way of living that suits their needs. And you know what else they excel at? Treating themselves! Yes, you heard it right. Italians absolutely love to indulge, pamper, and thoroughly enjoy themselves. After all, we only have one life to live.
They have an unwavering passion for traveling, savoring delicious food (always!), prioritizing rest, and getting ample sleep. They relish engaging in conversations and gatherings, taking meticulous care of their skin, and hair, and adorning themselves in the most fashionable and stunning clothing imaginable. Italians never shy away from investing in their appearance and enjoying the pleasures of life. While they may be frugal with their bills or employee wages, they spare no expense when it comes to themselves. And why not? Good for them! They understand the value of self-indulgence and know that enjoying life is truly worth it.
9- The “Me-ne-frego” concept
Do you know the meaning of that word? It signifies having a mindset that embraces taking things in stride. In other words, it reflects an ideology of "no f*cks given". Italians have a remarkable ability to not be overly concerned about many things that other nations might find themselves endlessly preoccupied with. The more "menefrego" you are, the easier life appears, the lower your stress levels, and the better equipped you are to handle any situation that comes your way.
10- Talking too much
A plethora of gatherings and celebrations in Italy are accompanied by extensive conversations, and Italians excel in this domain. They simply love to talk. They can engage in conversations about anything, express themselves freely without filtering their thoughts, and happily spend hours conversing, even if the topics seem trivial. By engaging in conversation, they effortlessly release built-up stress, allowing themselves to let go of any burdens and negative energy. This practice serves as an excellent stress relief mechanism and may be a contributing factor to why they appear to be less stressed compared to other nations.
11- Drinking in moderation
A good bowl of pasta deserves to be accompanied by a delicious glass of wine, and the connoisseurs of fine cuisine in Italy understand this very well. Italy boasts the largest number of vineyards worldwide and produces a plethora of wine varieties, ranging from Prosecco to Rosé, as well as the renowned Barolo. Despite this abundance, Italians never overindulge in their drinking habits. They appreciate the pleasure of drinking in moderation, which brings them joy and, seemingly, contributes to their longevity.
12- Self-centered
Italians possess a unique trait that sets them apart when it comes to health and well-being: their self-centeredness. Despite their strong religious beliefs, Italians prioritize themselves above others, demonstrating a profound love for themselves that sometimes may appear even narcissistic. However, this self-focus actually contributes to their lower stress levels and potential for longer life. By focusing primarily on themselves, Italians avoid the added worries and responsibilities that come with caring for others, leading to reduced mental stress and a more balanced existence.
It is important to understand that this self-centeredness does not make Italians inherently selfish or evil. Rather, it is a cultural aspect deeply ingrained in their worldview. By prioritizing self-love and self-care, Italians establish healthy boundaries and prioritize their own well-being, allowing them to lead more fulfilling lives. Embracing this level of selfishness enables them to reduce unnecessary stress, maintain a balanced approach to life, and enjoy the benefits of a longer and healthier existence.
13- Emotionally independent
Okay, let's elaborate on the point that I mentioned earlier. Italians have a tendency not to form strong emotional attachments to other people or things. As I mentioned before, they approach life with ease and view people as transient and impermanent, somewhat reminiscent of the Wabi Sabi ideology.
While Italians appreciate and value family traditions and gatherings due to their friendly and warm nature, they are not excessively attached to their family members. They embrace a more liberal mindset and strive to live life independently.
14- Structured Routines
Although Italians are not known for being strict and rigid, there is one aspect of their lives they refuse to compromise on: their routines. Italians cherish their own routines as it enables them to manage their time efficiently and carve out moments to enjoy their hobbies, spend time with friends, connect with family, and engage in other activities.
For Italians, nothing surpasses the importance of their well-being, mental health, and peace of mind. Establishing a personal routine is not merely a task for them; it is an integral part of their culture and lifestyle. Every Italian has their own routine, ensuring they have time for a breakfast brioche and a delightful, delicious merenda.
15- It runs in their genes
We can analyze and study Italians to our heart's content, but sometimes we may reach a point where we find no definitive answers. Some things simply exist as they are, defying explanation. The longevity of Italians may very well be influenced by their genes, and despite our efforts to adopt their habits and mindsets, our own longevity ultimately rests in the hands of a higher power—whether it be God, Fate, the Universe, or our own DNA.
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