Sicily’s new Blue Zone secrets are going viral: 5 local habits worth copying

While some of us may not have figured out what we really want to do in life, all of us wish for it to be longer. From eating healthy to going to the gym, we are doing it all to get an extension on our departure and live completely in the present. In this case, there exist certain zones on Earth whose inhabitants are guaranteed this longevity just because of their way of life and the devotion with which they follow it. As of now, there are five such zones across the planet: Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece and Nicoya in Costa Rica.

However, according to a new research published in the Journal of Ageing and Longevity in 2025, there's a new blue zone emerging on Earth. It is Caltabellotta, a remote mountain town in Sicily. “Caltabellotta’s population data first drew our attention due to an exceptionally high ratio of people in their nineties,” Professor Gianni Pes, a pioneer of Blue Zone research, explained to Vogue. “Such statistics indicate that Caltabellotta’s longevity profile is exceptional. The prevalence of nonagenarians [those in their nineties] in Caltabellotta’s population has roughly quadrupled over the past couple of decades; nearly three times the Italian national average.”

Below, find five local habits adopted by the people of the town that contribute to their newly found health and longevity.

Even something as small as a cab driver taking a wrong turn can send people into a fit. So this task is always in the 'easier said than done' category for many. But in Caltabellotta and other Sicilian villages, people follow a slower pace of life which is based on seasonal cycles, agricultural routines and longstanding social rituals. With a lack of rushing to the train station and replying to emails on the way, their chronic stress levels are low. While we can not transfer to this kind of life, including stress-relieving rituals like journaling, meditation, proper sleep, and more is healthy.

Every other doctor and researcher has been stressing the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and if you have not yet jumped on this train, then grab a seat now. Most Blue Zones follow this diet which includes a whole lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and limited consumption of meat and fish. Olive oil is the hero ingredient, serving as the principal fat source and enriching the body with monounsaturated fats. What this diet provides you is a lack of a huge medical bill with its ability to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Humans are social animals but let's stop migrating from person to person and stick with each other. People who identify and connect themselves with a community have a major driving force for living longer as they are protected from the perils of social isolation and fragmented communities. People have a strong attachment here to their families, hometown and neighbours. For those living in metros, it might seem like a task but hey, if you leave the house and join some community-based groups for hobbies that you like, then it's an easy possibility. Say a smiling hi to your neighbour, volunteer at a local shelter or join a reading club!

Physical activity should become a universal habit at this point. While in Caltabellotta people maintain their physical health through walking hilly streets, gardening and doing daily chores, you could just hit the gym or run around the neighbourhood.

Most Blue Zones are located in either a blue space (near the sea) or a green space (near nature). The surrounding natural environment keeps the stress in check and prevents the body from dealing with chronic stressors. Factors such as clean air, biodiversity-rich soil, and moderate altitude promote cardiovascular fitness and immunity.

While we might not be able to incorporate these habits in their complete sense, adjusting our lifestyle and environmental choices to them is an option that can be easily followed for the benefit of health and longevity. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.