Abstract

This review examines the factors contributing to successful ageing and exceptional longevity in the so-called Blue Zones, isolated geographic areas characterised by a high number of centenarians compared to neighboring territories. In particular, the review intends to define the psychological profile of the healthy older people of the Sardinian Blue Zone who age well and, when possible, to compare them with those living in the other areas of exceptional longevity. The literature review suggests that apart from some environmental and biomedical factors, several psychosocial markers, such as cognitive efficiency, resilience in coping with stressful events, optimism about the future, confidence in one’s own psychophysical functioning, family and friendship relationships, and time devoted to hobbies favour the maintenance of a socially active lifestyle aimed at empowering adaptive and social functioning in daily life