Italy’s beautiful island with a rare ‘blue zone’ where loads of locals live past 100

Sardinia features one of the world's five blue zones. (Image: Getty)

Sardinia is home to one of the world's rare "blue zones" where a greater number of people live to 100 or more.

The zone consists of a cluster of villages on the Italian island, which bluezones.com says are inhabited by locals with a rare genetic "quirk" linked to exceptional longevity.

The blue zone areas of Ogliastra, Barbagia di Ollolai and Barbagia of Seulo are home to one of the world's greatest concentrations of people who live to 100 or more.

However, according to bluezones.com, it's not just because of "undiluted" genes that some locals live to such a ripe old age, but also because of lifestyle habits.

Sardinian dining tables tend to be heavier on fruit and veg along with whole-grain bread and beans, rather than meat, which is said to be reserved for Sundays and special occasions.

Diet, exercise and family ties help locals live longer in Sardinia's blue zone. (Image: Getty)

Family is also a top priority with "strong" family values ensuring that every member reportedly gets the care they require.

Sardinians are also said to benefit from being part of tight-knit communities where older people can pursue lives with purpose.

A life expectancy "bump" might also result from the love, care, and wisdom grandparents give their grandchildren while taking a walk each day helps the heart.

Drinking a glass or two of red wine a day is also listed as an advantage, as is goat's milk, which can help protect against inflammatory diseases, according to bluezones.com.

Finally, laughing with friends and family also reduces stress, which is said to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The Sardinian diet is rich in fruit, veg and beans. (Image: Getty)

Inspired by the Sardinian example, author Raeleen D’Agostino Mautner, writing in CNBC, recommends making physical activity part of your routine to prolong your life.

According to D'Agostino Mautner, taking a brisk walk every day, using the stairs instead of a lift, or marching on the spot may help, as can eating home-cooked food and cutting back on meat.

She added that meeting up with friends, family, or neighbours can help break patterns of self-isolation while maintaining a sense of spirituality could also boost longevity.

Besides Sardinia, there are four other blue zones in the world. The Okinawa islands of Japan, Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece, and Loma Linda, California.