This country is known as the "Land of Longevity."

Thursday, Dec 11, 2025

Delfi

Italy sees record growth in centenarians, presenting societal aging challenges despite long lifespans.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

The number of residents over one hundred years old in Italy is increasing at a record rate, with long life being considered a trend, especially in “blue zones.” Data from the Italian National Statistics Agency shows the number of centenarians rose significantly between 2009 and 2024. Certain regions, such as Molise, Aosta Valley, and Liguria, lead in the proportion of centenarians, while Sardinia is also noted for its long-lived population, with the village of Perdasdefogu holding world records for centenarian concentration. Traditionally, the Mediterranean diet, strong social ties, and good healthcare are credited with Italy’s longevity. Italian centenarians remain active, with some continuing to work or drive. However, this aging population presents challenges to the government, particularly due to a sharply declining birth rate, which strains pension and healthcare systems. Projections indicate that the number of people over 100 in Italy is expected to reach nearly 500,000 by 2050.

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