It’s a question that’s always left mankind puzzled – just what is the secret of a long life?
Now scientists think they may have the answer, after studying an extraordinary Italian village where more than one in ten residents make it to 100.
According to those living in Acciaroli, around 90 miles south of Naples, the key is a healthy diet, exercise – and an extremely fulfilling sex life.
Experts from Sapienza University in Rome and the San Diego School of Medicine in the US found the villagers to be largely immune to heart disease, dementia and other chronic illnesses associated with ageing.
They suggested that the residents’ high consumption of the herb rosemary could be a factor, as well as the steep streets in the area meaning everyone has a challenging walk every day. The researchers added that the residents seemed to enjoy ‘rampant’ sex lives, which could also contribute to their longevity.
Alan Maisel, who led the project, said: ‘Is there something in their genes that may, along with something that they do, make them live longer and [stay] healthy?
‘They eat rosemary almost every day and they grow it – maybe this does something that helps. We know that rosemary improves brain function.
‘There are also all physically active. Whether it is fishing, walking or gardening, everyone does something every day.’
He added: ‘Sexual activity among the elderly appears to be rampant. Maybe living long has something to do with that, it’s probably the good air and the joie de vivre.’
During the last count, 81 of the 700 Acciaroli residents had made it to the age of 100. Unusually – as women generally outlive men – the oldest villagers were evenly split between the sexes.
The experts said this could be as the older men ‘sit around all day outside cafes and are less stressed’ than those living elsewhere.
The researchers studied 80 elderly residents – including 25 centenarians – and were shocked by the health of their capillary blood vessels, some resembling those of 20-year-olds.
Villager Antonio Vassalo, aged 100, said: ‘We only eat healthy stuff.’ His wife Amina Fedollo, 93, added: ‘We eat a lot of fish, fresh produce from the countryside that we grow ourselves.’
Daily Mail