Lifestyle

If you want to live forever, move to this Italian town

Alan Maisel, a cardiologist and professor at the University of California at San Diego, had long believed a moderate diet, exercise and refraining from smoking were the keys to a long and healthy life. So the first time he went on vacation to Acciaroli — a small village on the southern end of Italy’s Amalfi Coast — in August 2012, he got a bit of a shock.

“I was at the beach, and I saw all these leathernecked, tanned people in their 90s and 100s who looked nine months pregnant and were smoking cigarettes,” the doctor tells The Post.

Intrigued, he began asking questions, and soon found out that the town was home to an extraordinary number of elders. The mayor bragged that they had more 100-year-old residents than any other place in the world.

“Things didn’t seem to add up: [They were] smoking and fat, but so relaxed and unstressed … At first, I asked if it was the Mediterranean diet, but they do that all over Italy.”

A researcher has launched a study to learn why many of Acciaroli’s citizens (above and below) live into their 100s.Splash News
Splash News

Had Maisel stumbled upon the Fountain of Youth? Acciaroli has a population of only 2,000, yet the village boasts some 300 elders who have reached the age of 100 — and about 20 percent of those centenarians have reached 110. Furthermore, the area has low rates of Alzheimer’s and heart disease — despite a diet filled with cigarettes and wine.

Now Maisel and researchers at UC San Diego have teamed up with the Sapienza University of Rome to figure out why Acciaroli’s residents live so long.

“This place has never been studied before,” says Maisel. “It’s never been infiltrated or expatriated, so we’re planning on looking at their gene pool, doing blood tests, observing their habits — seeing what’s what.”

While the study just launched in March, Maisel has already gleaned some clues from the village’s elders and their way of life. One secret: “Everybody eats rosemary — they all grow it, they use it as a garnish, they use it in oils,” says Maisel. The herb, which home cooks use to garnish pastas and marinate seafood, has long been linked to preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s and improving brain function and memory. It releases a chemical compound that’s shown to increase blood flow to the brain and head, boosting concentration.

Another diet staple that improves their health? Anchovies, which appear in almost every meal in Acciaroli. Like sardines and mackerel, the oily fish is full of antioxidants, keeps cholesterol down, “smoothes out” the arteries and cuts down on inflammation, which, Maisel says, is “helpful in the aging process.”

It also helps that these Italians happen to live in an almost magical, untouched utopia. “There isn’t a lot of industry here, so the air they breathe is unpolluted,” says Maisel, adding that many studies have shown that people who live in polluted places tend to live shorter lives than those who get to breathe in fresh air.

Spending time outdoors — like this Acciaroli resident enjoying wine al fresco — could be a path to longer life.Splash News

Plus, the gorgeous weather — mild temperatures, Mediterranean breezes and lots of sunshine — means that villagers here spend lots of time outdoors and keeping their bodies, if not exactly trim, then pretty spry.

“There’s the beach and these hilly mountains, so there’s a lot of activity,” says Maisel, “even if they don’t take exercise classes or swim laps or do yoga.”

Researchers for the study plan to collect blood samples and distribute questionnaires to the group over the next six months to see what role genes play in keeping these folks alive. Maisel hopes to start a university-run longevity clinic in the area to see how they can put their findings into action.
But even more important than genes and anchovies is that village residents both young and old don’t sweat the small stuff.

“They sit around a lot and drink coffee, which turns into wine in the evening,” says the doctor. “It’s a stress-free life. There’s a joie de vivre.”

Tips from the world’s oldest residents

Want to imitate that Acciaroli lifestyle — and live into your triple digits? Here are three ways you can add years and boost health.

Breathe some fresh air: You won’t find that Mediterranean breeze in NYC, but it’s always good to spend time outdoors. “New York has some of the [most pristine] parks in the world,” Maisel says.

Avoid stress: Stress wipes out your immune system. “It eats at your brain cells,” says Maisel. Decompress by opting for an evening stroll or a yoga class after a hectic day at the office.

Eat good food: The Mediterranean diet is touted for a reason. Maisel recommends eating veggies and other plants, such as rosemary [below], which makes an appearance at nearly every Acciaroli meal.

Almay