A small mountainous village in Sardinia, Italy, called Bolotana, is currently making headlines due to the increasing extraordinary longevity of women in the area. According to a new study, 13.8% of women reaching the age of 70 live to be 100 years old, which is the second highest figure in the world after Hong Kong.
Sardinia is already known as one of the regions in the world recognized for longevity. In 1999, several mountainous villages in the central and eastern parts of the island were included in the world’s first ‘Blue Zones’. However, the extraordinary longevity of men in that area had been particularly notable.
Now, the picture in Bolotana appears different, where the role of women in longevity statistics is most prominent. The study was published on October 5 in ‘Frontiers in Aging’. Researchers examined age and mortality data using Bolotana’s civil and church records.
The study analyzed data from 2021 to 2025. During this period, the likelihood of women over 70 reaching the age of 100 was estimated at 13.83%. For men, this figure was 4.92%.
In this village with a population of about 2,266, 12 people were expected to be 100 years or older by 2025. Of these, six later died, and all remaining six were women, two of whom are 102 years old. Researchers hope that some other villagers may also reach the age of 100 this year and in 2027.
According to the study, the average remaining life expectancy for women in Bolotana after reaching 70 is about 20.85 years, which is higher than Italy’s average of 18.06 years. The likelihood of living to 100 after reaching 70 is also more than three times Italy’s figure of about 3.54%. Researchers state that it would be premature to officially designate Bolotana as an established ‘Blue Zone’.
The study describes it as a potential Blue Zone and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and additional demographic studies. Scientists have not yet concluded what the main reason for the extraordinary longevity of women in the village is. They found that social relationships among people here are very strong.
Many elderly individuals have maintained close contact with family and community throughout their lives. The village’s mayor, Francesco Mankoni, has suggested several potential reasons for the longevity, including fresh and local food, a natural environment, and daily physical activities. The village is located in a mountainous area, and walking daily has been a normal part of life for the elderly.
Researchers also found that the multi-generational family structure in Bolotana has been long established. Many families have elderly members, children, and others living close to each other and sharing domestic responsibilities. According to experts, social engagement and daily physical activity may play a role in this extraordinary age, although further studies are necessary to prove their effects.
Overall, the number of people aged 100 or older in Italy is continuously increasing. According to official figures from November 2025, there were 23,548 people aged 100 or older in the country, of which 82.6% were women.