Italy's Centenarian Population Reaches Record High
The number of people in Italy living to 100 years of age continues to grow at a remarkable rate, with the country now home to 23,548 centenarians, according to the latest figures from Istat, the national statistics agency. This represents a significant increase from 21,211 in 2024, confirming a powerful demographic trend.
The Secrets to a Long Life
Experts and the centenarians themselves often point to a combination of factors for this impressive longevity. The renowned Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh produce, olive oil, and fish, is consistently cited as a cornerstone. This is complemented by strong social connections and an active lifestyle that frequently includes continuing to work well into advanced age.
Anna Possi, who will turn 101 on 16 November, is a perfect example. She holds the title of Italy's oldest barista and still works in her bar overlooking Lake Maggiore. She has stated her intention to "keep going so long as my health permits." This spirit is echoed by others, like Candida Uderzo, who had her driving licence renewed at the age of 100.
Regional Hotspots and Supercentenarians
The phenomenon is not evenly spread across the country. The southern region of Molise has the highest ratio of centenarians per capita, followed by the Aosta Valley and Liguria. However, the island of Sardinia is world-famous for its concentration of long-lived residents.
A cluster of villages in Sardinia was identified in 2004 as one of the world's "blue zones," areas where people live exceptionally long lives. The town of Perdasdefogu, nestled in the island's mountains, has even entered the Guinness World Records book twice for its remarkable number of centenarians.
At the very peak of this age pyramid are Italy's supercentenarians. Lucia Laura Sangenito, from the Campania region, is set to celebrate her 115th birthday on 22 November, making her Italy's oldest woman and the third oldest in all of Europe.
The data reveals a pronounced gender gap. Of those reaching 100 this year, 82.6% are women. This female predominance continues among the 724 semi-supercentenarians (aged 105+) and the 19 supercentenarians who are 110 or older.
A European Trend with National Challenges
This trend extends beyond Italy's borders. Across the European Union, the number of people aged 100 or more is forecast to reach nearly half a million by 2050. France, Italy, and Greece currently lead in the ratio of centenarians per capita.
In the UK, the number of people aged 100 and over has also seen a dramatic rise, doubling from 8,300 in 2004 to 16,600 in 2024.
While the growing number of centenarians is a cause for celebration, it also presents significant challenges for the Italian government. This ageing population coincides with a plummeting birthrate, which hit a record low of just 370,000 new births in 2024. This dual pressure places immense strain on the nation's pension and healthcare systems, creating a complex social and economic puzzle for the future.
