Where Do People Live to Be 100?

You may never have heard of the village of Villagrande Strisaili in the Ogliastra area of eastern Sardinia, but the people there are famous for living to be past 100. Ogliastra is one of the three places in the world where people have the longest lives. Not only that but they are relatively healthy and alert - Alzheimers is unheard of.

Why do they live so long? Studies have shown that it may be partly due to genes but we went to Villagrande Strisaili to interview Buttau Pasquale who is 95. His wife, Grazietta Orru' who is 84 and still works in the family vineyards and fields, met as at the door. Inside we talked with Buttau. He said that the secret to a long, healthy life is the fresh air and working and walking in the countryside. The water in the area also contributes as well as wine and healthy eating.

The family produces their own wine and grows their own vegetables and fruit. He also eats bread and cheese, but not much meat. Battau has been a shepherd, farmer, and policeman and served in the army in Africa. Currently, he serves on the town council and said he still feels like a young man. He ended with the usual phrase, la vita e' cosi, life is like that.

Picture of Grazietta Orru' © Martha Bakerjian, licensed to about.com