Recently I finished reading Dan Buettner’s The Blue Zones. A book on lessons for living a longer, more healthier life style based on people from around the world that have lived the longest. These five areas around the world included place like Okinawa Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Loma Linda California, Ikaria Greece and the Costa Rican peninsula of Nicoya. They all have one thing in common. They have a higher than normal percentage of people living past 100 years of age. There seems to be a few indications pointing to why. The slow pace lifestyle mixed with eating local healthy foods and a loving family support system seems to be a few major factors to why these people live a happy long fulfilling life.
When I bought my home in Sicily a few years back at the age of 36 I had a gut instinct that I was making a decision that was going to better my future and quality of life. The thought of possibly becoming an old man and spending not just my 40’s and 50’s but also my golden years retired and living a healthy lifestyle was not just a dream but starting to become a reality. In the two years that I have owned my home I have noticed a few things about Sicily and Italy itself that makes me gravitate towards thinking not just Sardinia but the entire county and more so Sicily is a Blue Zone.
Family
For one, I’m not sure Italians have ever heard of a retirement home. A majority of my neighbors all have extended family living together. From the grandparents all the way down to the grandchildren living under one roof. As an American I was really confused at first to why. Most Americans tend to be self sufficient and move out of the house as soon as they turn 18, wanting freedom and independence. There is nothing wrong with this and to an extent a little selfish come to think of it. It is ok to be selfish to a certain point to grow as an individual and become an adult. After reading Blue Zones and doing some quiet observations in my town, I see why sticking together makes more sense. Pooling resources together bring more to the table in my opinion. Less cost on one individual to run a household. The love of family and spending time with loved ones is a major driving force as to why Italians are so happy. Italians bring the term “love of family” a true meaning.
The Grandparents not only help out with grandkids but also help keep daycare cost at non-existent. Teaching wisdom and valuable life lessons along the way. Not only furthering education for the youth but also giving grandparents purpose and a reason to wake up in the morning and keep pushing onwards. For me, Americans missed this boat long ago.
Breaking Bread
The farm to table food scene in Italy isn’t a special event or a night out a restaurant that cost an arm and a leg. In fact, it’s a way of life and a fundamental part of daily routine. In my honest opinion and experiences of travel aboard, Italians but more so Sicilians eat the best quality of food in the world on a large scale based on population. Almost spoiled to the knowledge and knowingly so that they do. But one thing is certain, whenever I’m in Sicily I never go hungry. It is almost a guarantee that my friends or neighbors will invite me to dinner every night to break bread. Dinner never seems to end and as certain as the day you were born, extend past midnight. Be prepared to eat half your weight in food. Sicilians have a no man left behind policy when it comes to dinner. Everyone eats!
The Quality of food produce on the Island of Sicily is mind boggling. The volcanic soil gives life and abundance while the sea provides substance. Most of Sicily is agricultural land and while most people live in small towns you can be sure they have a plot of land just a few minutes away. Seasonal produce is the way to go. Always organic for the most part. Italy along with the rest of E.U has very strict laws prohibiting pesticides. Along with some of the best quality of produce and seafood it’s not hard to imagine that eating in Sicily adds years to your life. Not just the food but the company you break bread with helps as well. Besides the obvious like pasta and pizza, figs along with pistachios and almonds make for a healthy diet. Sicilians consume more olive oil by liter then anywhere else in the world. While you maybe thinking how is eating pizza and pasta a few times a week healthy? One simple answer, quality organic ingredients. No preservatives and no pesticides. I also think drinking large amounts of local wine helps. But maybe that’s just my shortcomings..
Community And Exercise
Sicilians love a party and coming together as a community. My town of Alessandria Della Rocca holds multiple events throughout the year. Locals really come out in full force to support and take pride in community seriously. Whether it’s a parade or concert everyone in town seems to attend. While the youngsters take to the streets, the elders put tables and chairs together for conversation and libations. Not only for events but day to day you can see folks well into the late 80’s and early 90’s gathered together for a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon happy hour. Conversing and telling stories.
A majority of towns in Sicily tend to be built on steep terrain. In most towns you are either walking up hill or down. Climbing up stair or going down stairs. In fact, you literally work out all day without even realizing it. Also people tend to wake up early and work till about one in the afternoon. Right about time the sun is the hottest. Then it’s siesta time. A long lunch and nap. Napping is important for health and Sicilians love a nap. I think having a strong work ethic followed by a daily non-invasive exercise walking up and down hills all day and sense of community and friendships that last a lifetime helps Sicilians live a joyful life and helps to add years to longevity.
Does Sicily have a Blue Zone? I’m not sure and I am no expert like Dan Buettner. When I look around at my local community and how I feel when I am in Sicily I like to think so. I feel good when I’m there. I eat well, drink well, my legs and feet hurt from all the walking and my friends and neighbors treat me like family. I can relax on Mediterranean 25 minutes away from my front door and catch a tan during the summer. In my mind I like to think I’ve found my Blue Zone.