Abstract
Life expectancy has increased significantly due to declining mortality rates, especially a mong adults and older individuals. However, this rapid aging of the population has also led to a rise in age-related diseases, putting more people at risk of chronic illness and disability. Maintaining health, resilience, and independence throughout life has thus become a key research priority, vital both for individual well-being and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Studies on longevity populations provide insights into factors that may beneficially alter the epigenome over a lifetime, promoting health and longevity. Longevity is seen as a major achievement of modern society, reflecting not only an extended lifespan but also a prolonged period of health. Certain regions, known as Longevity Blue Zones (LBZs)—such as Okinawa (Japan), the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), Loma Linda (California), Ikaria (Greece), and Ogliastra (Sardinia)—are celebrated for their high percentage of long-lived residents who often avoid age-related disabilities. Longevity is not universally distributed, so identifying LBZ-like areas worldwide is crucial to understanding additional factors that may contribute to a long, healthy life. This narrative review aims to explore the commonalities between the Cilento region in Italy and recognized LBZs, examining environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors.We conducted a search for articles published from 2004 to the present, limited to English, German, and Italian studies in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Through collaborative consensus, 18 final references were selected. A descriptive comparative approach was used to evaluate the similarities between Cilento and LBZs.Cilento and LBZs share several characteristics, including hilly terrain, moderate altitudes (between 355 and 600 meters), and mild climates (average temperatures of 17.4 to 23.5°C). Both regions exhibit traditional professions such as farming and animal husbandry, a largely Mediterranean or plant-based diet rich in legumes, vegetables, and olive oil, and strong social cohesion with deep family, religious, and community ties. These traits promote resilience, optimism, and mental well-being, which are essential for healthy aging.Given its similarities, Cilento may represent an as-yet-unrecognized LBZ. Insights from this region could be applied more broadly to help prevent chronic diseases and slow aging. Studying Cilento’s centenarians may also offer new parameters for understanding why certain regions enjoy extended life expectancy.