The Italian ‘land of eternal youth' where 1 in 10 residents live beyond 100 — here's their secret to longevity

Time of India

7 days ago

Acciaroli, a picturesque fishing village on Italy's Cilento Coast, is celebrated as the 'Land of Eternal Youth' for its extraordinary number of centenarians — around one in ten residents lives past 100.
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Beyond its Mediterranean beauty, cobblestone streets, and serene harbour, the village has captured global scientific interest for its secret to healthy ageing. Researchers from Rome's Sapienza University and the University of California, San Diego, discovered that locals maintain youthful blood circulation and low levels of age-related illnesses. The surprising factor? Rosemary — a herb grown in nearly every garden, used daily in oils, teas, and meals.
Packed with antioxidants and circulation-boosting compounds, it may be a key ingredient in Acciaroli's recipe for remarkable longevity.
How this tiny Italian village helps people live beyond 100 — here's their secret
Tucked away in the Campania region, Acciaroli's cobblestone streets, rustic stone houses, and fishing boats paint the picture of an old-world Mediterranean paradise. Yet, behind its tranquil charm lies a statistical anomaly — the highest concentration of centenarians in Europe.
This caught the attention of Rome's Sapienza University and the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, who spent six months studying the village's elderly residents. Their goal was simple: find out what makes Acciaroli's population age so gracefully.
Acciaroli's secret: Healthy blood circulation in old age
Researchers discovered that Acciaroli's older adults share a rare physiological trait — their blood circulation mirrors that of people decades younger.
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The reason? They have extremely low levels of adrenomedullin, a hormone that naturally increases with age to maintain blood flow. When adrenomedullin levels are too high, it can constrict blood vessels, leading to poor circulation and health issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
Dr. Alan Maisel, one of the lead researchers, explained:
'Older people usually produce more adrenomedullin to keep blood moving, but in Acciaroli, we don't see that spike.
Their vessels stay open, allowing blood to flow freely like in much younger individuals.'
This superior circulation may explain why common age-related illnesses are rare in the village.
Rosemary, diet, and lifestyle: The keys to Acciaroli's centenarians' good health
The study found that Acciaroli's centenarians had remarkably low rates of:
Cataracts – suggesting healthy eye blood flow and oxidative protection.
Osteoporosis – likely due to active lifestyles and mineral-rich diets.
Alzheimer's disease – possibly linked to better brain circulation and protective compounds in their diet.
Dr. Maisel described the results as 'astonishing,' noting that even elderly smokers and overweight residents enjoyed surprisingly good health compared to average seniors elsewhere.
The breakthrough moment in the research came when scientists realised that almost every household in Acciaroli grows and consumes large amounts of rosemary.
How rosemary may protect the body
Rosemary is rich in compounds such as carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, both known for:
Improving micro-circulation – keeping blood flowing smoothly through small vessels.
Protecting brain cells – acting as antioxidants that fight age-related damage.
Reducing inflammation – helping the body repair itself more efficiently.
Residents use rosemary in oils, sauces, stews, and even as a tea, ensuring they consume it daily. As Dr. Maisel noted 'They don't just use rosemary for flavour — it's part of their culture, part of their way of life.'
Acciaroli's longevity lifestyle: Fresh food, daily activity, and low stress
While rosemary plays a central role, the lifestyle in Acciaroli is equally important in promoting longevity.
Fresh, seasonal foods
The local Mediterranean diet is filled with:
is filled with:
Fresh fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
Homegrown vegetables and fruits, supplying vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants.
Olive oil as the primary fat source, known for reducing heart disease risk.
Daily physical activity
Instead of gym workouts, residents stay active naturally through:
Fishing in the harbour.
Gardening in terraced plots.
Walking along steep village paths.
Low-stress environment
Acciaroli's isolation from major highways and urban noise creates a calmer environment, lowering stress hormones that can accelerate ageing.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Acciaroli's longevity puzzle is that not all of its centenarians follow what we'd call a perfect health model.
Many are overweight.
Some are regular smokers.
Yet, their low stress levels, nutrient-rich diet, and daily activity seem to offset these risks, suggesting that overall lifestyle balance may matter more than eliminating every bad habit.
Acciaroli in the context of global 'Blue Zones'
The village now joins the ranks of the world's famous Blue Zones — regions identified by researcher Dan Buettner where people live exceptionally long lives.
Other Blue Zones include:
Okinawa, Japan – Diet based on vegetables, tofu, and seaweed, plus strong community ties.
Sardinia, Italy – Mountain life with daily walking and goat's milk consumption.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – Diet rich in beans, corn, and tropical fruits.
Ikaria, Greece – Herbal teas, midday naps, and minimal processed foods.
Loma Linda, California – Plant-based diet and strong faith-based social networks.
In each case, diet, movement, community, and low stress emerge as the cornerstones of healthy ageing.
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