Arzachena, a picturesque town on the island of Sardinia, shines bright with its rich traditions and community focus, which seems to contribute to its residents enjoying longer lives.
This month, during the spirited Longevity Fest hosted by Consorzio Costa Smeralda, Arzachena received formal acknowledgment for its community’s impressive lifespan and its commitment to enhancing living standards.
According to Travel + Leisure, this small Sardinian town was studied for its distinctive “agro-pastoral” economy and its traditional yet simple diet. It now joins other recognized areas on the island, like Ogliastra, renowned for their deep-rooted cultures and long-lived citizens.
Achieving the status of a Blue Zone signifies a milestone for Arzachena and reflects its dedication to fostering a healthy lifestyle and longevity.
Pietro Mereu, the Longevity Fest’s founder, noted, “We believe that until the 1960s, Arzachena’s demographic profile closely resembled that of Ogliastra. Both share the same economic background typical of small towns in Sardinia. However, the rise of luxury tourism has shifted the economic landscape, bringing in jobs and boosting incomes far above the regional average. This transformation has merged the strong community ties with a more cosmopolitan outlook.”
He also highlighted that this blend likely led to extraordinary longevity amid a backdrop of modernization, migration, and worldwide interconnectedness.
Nestled in the northeastern part of Sardinia, Arzachena is not just another town; it’s characterized by lush, vineyard-clad hills and breathtaking beaches, making it a must-visit as noted by Sardegna Turismo. Visitors can marvel at quaint squares and charming pink granite and white stone buildings, filled with artisan creations and local shops.
Today, Arzachena stands tall as a symbol of luxury, refinement, and exclusive tourism on the island.
Gianni Pes, a senior researcher from the University of Sassari, confirms that the exploration of life quality in Arzachena is still just beginning. “We’re already gearing up for our first research papers. There’s plenty more to explore, and we can’t wait to share our findings with the global community to broaden the understanding of longevity research,” he stated.
Beyond Italy’s quaint charms, numerous American cities also differentiate themselves with a reputation for their residents living longer, including Washington D.C., which stands out for its strong sense of community, well-being, and lower incidence of issues like excessive smoking and drinking. Other notable areas include the San Francisco Bay, Bridgeport, Boston, and Seattle.
For more details, check out the initial write-up on Travel & Leisure.
