A cluster of villages in central Sardinia is one of five places in the world where people are the healthiest and live the longest. Termed a blue zone by demographers, this area of Sardinia has one of the highest proportions of residents who are 100 or older. Unlike the United States, where there are five women centenarians for every male centenarian, in Sardinia it’s one to one, which is quite rare.

So why do Sardinians live so long? Researchers have been studying this population for years and concluded that in addition to diet and exercise, respect for elders, family tradition, and social interaction play a big role.

The elderly in Sardinia are valued for their wisdom and seen as a source of knowledge, rather than a burden. They don’t live separately in assisted-living facilities or nursing homes. Instead, two or three generations reside in the home, where younger family members look after older ones. Seniors are also considered an integral part of the household and put to work doing things like gardening, cooking, and caring for children.

Having strong friendships has been found to improve a person’s overall and brain health. So, it’s no surprise that older Sardinians maintain active social lives, getting together frequently to talk or play cards, as well as organizing and participating in local events. This gives them a sense of community and keeps their mind sharp.

Another secret to Sardinians’ longevity is that they stay physically active into advanced age. The island’s mountainous landscape means they physically exert themselves multiple times a day, often walking five miles a day or more.

As for diet, Sardinians eat mostly a lean, plant-based diet, consisting of whole-grain bread, vegetables, beans, cheese, and fruit, and, on occasion, meat. They also drink goat’s milk, which has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against heart disease and Alzheimer’s. And Cannonau wine, which is high in antioxidants, is another staple on the island.