Is Sisterhood the Secret to a Long Life? Sardinia's Bolotana on Course to Become the World's Sixth 'Blue Zone'

Where does the secret to a long life lie? For the elderly residents of the village of Bolotana on the Italian island of Sardinia, the answer may come in one word — sisterhood, meaning the mutual bonds and companionship of women.

Bolotana is now on course to become the world's sixth 'Blue Zone' — an area where people's average lifespan is unusually high. What makes this village special is its notable number of women centenarians.

The Blue Zone concept comes from regions where people regularly live healthy lives to the age of 90 and 100. According to researchers, not just food or genes — social bonds, everyday walking, a purposeful life and low stress play a big role in the longevity of people in these places.

The lifestyle of Bolotana's older women shows that same picture — checking in on each other, joint celebrations and being deeply connected within the community. Researchers now ask: is this social network of sisters the 'secret' behind reaching a hundred?

Previous Blue Zones in the world include Okinawa in Japan, Ikaria in Greece, Nicoya in Costa Rica and Loma Linda in California. If Bolotana joins the list, the island of Sardinia will strengthen its place on it once again.

This village's message for a long and healthy life is simple: human company, especially bonds that last a lifetime, can work like medicine.