Italy is experiencing a profound demographic shift toward extreme longevity, with the highest concentrations of centenarians and oldest-old populations appearing in the North and Center, according to a study published in the journal Nutrients. Researchers found that while regions like Liguria lead in aging profiles, southern hotspots such as Cilento maintain survival rates comparable to Sardinia.
Why are Italy’s longevity patterns shifting by region?
The distribution of extreme old age is not uniform across the peninsula. Data from the Italian National Institute of Statistics and the European Health for All (HFA) database show a steady increase in people aged 65 and older, but the “aging tendency” varies by geography.
Liguria is projected to have the highest aging tendency by 2025. It is followed by Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany. These northern and central hubs generally show more advanced longevity profiles, including higher ratios of people aged 90 and older (LI%).
Conversely, Calabria and Campania report a lower overall aging tendency. However, the study highlights “longevity hotspots” in the south. The Cilento area, for instance, shows survival into extreme old age that exceeds the broader Campania regional average and rivals the longevity of Sardinia.
How does diet and obesity affect survival in Italy?
Nutritional habits show a distinct North-South gradient that correlates with longevity indicators. According to the Nutrients study, residents in central and northern regions consume more vegetables and report a higher frequency of eating an adequate breakfast.
The south shows a different profile. While fish intake is higher in southern and central regions, these areas also face a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity. The researchers found that the Longevity Index (LI%) and Centenarity Index (CI%) are positively correlated with vegetable intake and negatively correlated with obesity at a regional level.
Regional Health Comparison
| Region/Area | Key Longevity Driver/Trend | Health Risk Profile |
|---|---|---|
| North/Center | High vegetable intake, high LI% | Higher early rates of neoplasms/heart disease |
| South/Islands | High fish intake, specific hotspots (Cilento) | Higher diabetes and cerebrovascular disease |
What is the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)?
Mortality rates for people aged 65+ vary wildly by region. In 2025, the study recorded the lowest mortality rates in Lombardy (4,026 per 100,000) and the highest in Basilicata (67,672 per 100,000).
Between 1990 and 2023, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) for five major NCDs generally declined. However, the type of disease burden differs by geography. Ischemic heart disease and neoplasms were more prevalent in the north and center in earlier periods. Cerebrovascular disease and diabetes mellitus remained more common in the south and the islands.
The data suggests a link between lower long-term mortality from diabetes and cerebrovascular diseases and a higher likelihood of reaching extreme old age (higher LI% and CI%).
FAQs about Italian Longevity
Which Italian region has the oldest population?
Liguria is projected to have the highest aging tendency by 2025, with high proportions of people aged 90 and older.
Do “Blue Zones” still matter in the South?
Yes. While the North has advanced aging profiles, the study notes that southern areas like Cilento show survival rates into extreme old age that are comparable to Sardinia.
What is the main dietary correlate of longevity in Italy?
The study found that regional longevity indicators (LI% and CI%) correlate positively with vegetable intake and negatively with the prevalence of obesity.
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