Sardegna's Secret to a Long Healthy Life

Pic credit: Conde` Nast Traveller Magazine

Did you know that the mountainous Italian island of Sardegna (Sardinia), situated in the Mar Tirreno (Tyrrhenian Sea) is one of the world’s Blue Zone regions? These regions are places where a population lives a healthier and longer life than other parts of the world. There are ten time more centenarians living in Sardinia per capita than in the USA, with as many being male as female. So what is their secret? Do they drink more protein shakes and do more exercise than other people? Do they swallow copious amounts of vitamin tablets every day ? Absolutely not. Infact, it’s a lot more simple than we think.

We always hear that eating a good diet and exercising is key to living a healthy life, which is true, but with busy lifestyles, it is often easier said than done. You may not live in the pretty mountains of an island surrounded by beautiful clear water beaches, but with a little imagination there are ways to adopt the simple lifestyle the Sardinians live.

Pic credit: Travellintale.com

Their sleep patterns are in harmony with the rising and setting of the sun. They wake at dawn to tend to their crops, livestock and do household chores, then call it a day at dusk. Living in the mountains means each time you take a stroll you are ‘working out’ while breathing in pristine fresh air in the sunshine, and neither age nor mountains will stop a Sardinian from keeping on the go. Even the elders continue to stay active and busy, which could mean simply taking the goats for a graze in the fields, babysitting a grandchild, or walking to a local neighbouring farm or shop to grab a necessity.

Family is everything. Parents and grandparents care for the young and in turn the young care for the aged. Being cared for and feeling loved is known to lower depression rates and stress. Nonni (grandparents) play a key role in society by sharing their wisdom and knowledge about the land, nature and traditions, handing down all they know for the benefit of future generations.

Elders are made to feel important and needed, and they are seen as an asset to society rather than a burden. Extended family and friends are also embraced and Sardinians enjoy daily gatherings in the streets or piazzas to mingle, laugh, and share a story or two with each other.

Pic credit: pinterest Boyaroo

Sardinians eat a plant based diet leaving meat for Sunday’s or special occasions, and most of the dairy consumed is from grass fed goat or sheep. Whole grain breads make up most of their diet at a whopping 47% (yay to the carbs ! ), dairy coming in at 26% , along with their own (or locally grown) vegetables. Meat, fish, poultry and legumes make up a very small percentage along with added sugar and fats, while fruit makes up only 1%. They also enjoy a glass or two of home-made red wine daily- cin cin!

The way we live our lives is a choice. We can choose the ‘all or nothing’ approach, or we can learn from the wise Sardinians and choose to keep it simple, doing ‘life’ in balance and moderation, surround ourselves by loved ones, and most importantly cherish and look after our nonni. It may not guarantee anything, but it makes total sense and is worth a shot.

Pic credit - The Little Italian School