Human longevity is a multidisciplinary research focus spanning anthropology, public health, and gerontology. Blue Zones (BZs) are geographical locations with an increased concentration of people living in their 90s and above. These regions serve as focal points for studying the interplay of lifestyle, genetics, and environmental variables that contribute to human longevity. Other areas with the same demographic pattern as Nicoya, Ikaria, and Okinawa have shown longevity indices that surpass the national average. Mediterranean countries like Greece, Italy, and France exhibit higher-than-average life expectancies and populations of long-lived individuals. Comprehensive studies on longevity hotspots in Sicily are limited, and an interdisciplinary method is required to understand the factors of healthy ageing in this area.
This study assessed potential longevity hotspots in Sicily by using local civil registry records and official national demographic statistics. The researchers used demographic data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) online database and evaluated the ratio 90+/60+ for each municipality. They found clusters with larger nonagenarian populations and selected those with the highest 90+/60+ ratios for further analysis. They rebuilt the annual birth cohorts between 1900 and 1924 by using local civil status registers. They estimated the year-specific chance of reaching the age of 90 years in those who were born in the municipality during the early 20th century. This study utilized the Getis-Ord Gi statistic and Moran’s I index to assess the data and calculate the probability of reaching 90 years of age for each yearly birth cohort in the chosen municipality.
The study determined longevity patterns that focus on three main positive longevity hotspots: north-eastern Messina province, the Madonie area, and the Sicani Mountains. Caltabellotta is a municipality in the westernmost longevity cluster. It was selected because of the population size of about 3000 people and a notably high 90+/60+ longevity ratio. It is located in the Sicani Mountains and has a typical Mediterranean diet and minimal stress levels, which contribute to longevity. The study analyzed the proportion of 90+ and 100+ people in Caltabellotta with Sardininian long-lived regions. They found that the percentage of 90+ people in Caltabellotta has decreased by about 30% in the Sardinia BZ region. The study found that the proportion of centenarians born in Caltabellotta is totally compatible with validated BZ. As per this study, the longevity population in Sicily is impacted by factors like low urbanization, traditional agrarian lifestyle, and remoteness.
From 1900 to 1924, about 32 people became centenarians in comparison to Sardinia’s frequency, and with two supercentenarians. Most centenarians were females, which reflects the typical gender survival pattern. The longevity is influenced less by genetic isolation and more by lifestyle and environmental factors like clean air, moderate altitude, rich biodiversity, mineral-rich hard water, and temperate climate, which can protect cardiovascular health. Lifestyle factors like sticking to a traditional Mediterranean diet, a strong social bond, daily physical activity from the agrarian life, high religiousness, and cultural identity can improve mental resilience.
The Caltabellotta community in Sicily has an increased proportion of centenarians and nonagenarians, which indicates a significant Bio-Zone (BZ). The study utilized reliable Italian population data for comparison with existing long-lived regions. The longevity of a community is associated with factors like daily routines, diet, environment, geography, and social support. The lifestyle of a community, such as an active Mediterranean diet, a tight social network, low-intensity physical activity, and clean air, can contribute to longevity. It suggests further research to know about the association between lifestyle, environment, and social factors and the remarkable longevity seen in the Sicani Mountains.
Reference: Errigo A, Pes GM, Caruso C, Accardi G, Aiello A, Candore G, Vasto S. An emerging longevity Blue Zone in Sicily: The case of Caltabellotta and the Sicani Mountains. Journal of Ageing and Longevity. 2025;5(3):26. doi:10.3390/jal5030026
