A New “Blue Zone” Discovered in Italy, Where Women Often Live to 100

Researchers examined demographic data from Bolotana, which had an average population of 2,266 during the period under review. To verify records of people who lived to an advanced age, the scientists cross-checked civil registry records against church archives documenting baptisms and burials. They also analyzed mortality data for residents over 70 and compared the results with those for Nuoro province, Sardinia as a whole, and Italy.

The calculations showed that women in Bolotana who reached age 70 had a remaining life expectancy of 20.85 years. By comparison, the figure was 18.61 years in Nuoro province, 18.40 years in Sardinia, and 18.06 years nationwide.

The differences were even more pronounced when researchers assessed the probability of surviving from age 70 to 100. For women in Bolotana, it was 13.83%, compared with 4.33% in Nuoro province, 4.43% in Sardinia, and 3.54% across Italy. These figures represent estimates based on mortality rates observed during the relevant period, rather than the results of long-term follow-up of a single group of women.

The advantage was less pronounced among men. Their remaining life expectancy at age 70 was 16.02 years, while the probability of reaching 100 was estimated at 4.92%. However, the authors noted that these estimates were subject to considerable uncertainty.

Historical data also point to a high frequency of exceptional longevity in Bolotana. Among 3,060 people born in the village between 1900 and 1925, the researchers identified 38 centenarians. The extreme longevity index was 1,242 centenarians per 100,000 births, compared with the Italian average of 793 per 100,000 births. However, the researchers were unable to trace some residents who later emigrated from the village.

The researchers caution that the findings depend on the period selected for analysis. When they examined data from 2015 to 2019, the estimated probability of surviving from age 70 to 100 was just 1.46% for women and 0.77% for men. This suggests that the unusually high figures observed in recent years may reflect not only enduring characteristics of the population but also temporary fluctuations in mortality rates.

Scientists cannot yet explain the observed pattern in terms of genetics, diet, lifestyle, or social connections. The village’s small population also limits the precision of the estimates. Bolotana is therefore considered a promising candidate for Blue Zone status, but longer-term observations and further research will be needed to confirm its standing.