The Sardinian Village Where 10x More People Live Past 100 Than Anywhere Else

In the central mountains of Sardinia lies a cluster of small villages — Ovodda, Villagrande, Talana — collectively known as the "Blue Zone". Here, residents live to 100 at rates dramatically higher than anywhere else on Earth.

National Geographic researchers and demographer Dan Buettner documented Sardinia's longevity hotspot in detail. In Ovodda specifically, the rate of centenarians per capita is 10 times higher than in the United States. Even more unusual: it is the only region on Earth where men live as long as women.

What They Do Differently

• Diet: Mostly plant-based, with goat milk, sourdough bread, fava beans, and a glass of local Cannonau wine daily
• Movement: Constant walking — many shepherds walk 5+ miles a day in mountainous terrain into their 90s
• Strong family bonds: Multi-generational households are the norm; elders live with their children and grandchildren
• Lower stress: Slower pace of life, with regular siestas and frequent social interaction
• Sense of purpose: Continuing to work and contribute well into old age

The Other Blue Zones

Buettner identified five total Blue Zones worldwide where people consistently reach 100:

1. Sardinia, Italy — Ovodda region
2. Okinawa, Japan
3. Loma Linda, California (Seventh-day Adventist community)
4. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
5. Ikaria, Greece

Despite different cultures, all five share key traits: plant-rich diets, daily natural movement, strong social ties, sense of purpose, and low chronic stress.