Italian Grandmas Share the Key to a Longer, Healthier Life

When I moved to Italy in 2024, I was struck by the unique lifestyle of the Italian nonne, or grandmas. They walk everywhere, often across the city, without assistance. Many are dressed to the nines, yet they don’t try to hide their age. It was no surprise to me when I discovered a new wellness trend making the rounds on social media: ‘nonnamaxxing.’

Nonnamaxxing is the idea that anyone can maximize their life by embracing the habits of Italian grandmas. And it’s not just a trend – it’s sensible guidance. Italy leads the European Union in life expectancy, and the country boasts a high number of centenarians. In fact, a cluster of villages in Sardinia is one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where people live longer and healthier lives.

So, what’s behind the Italian nonne’s secret to longevity? For starters, they don’t try to hide their age. In fact, many Italian grandmas proudly wear their age as a badge of honor. As Licia Fertz, a 96-year-old Italian nonna, puts it, ‘I put on my makeup and dress in cheerful colors, even if I’m not leaving the house, because presenting yourself well is an act of self-love.’

Another key aspect of the Italian nonne’s lifestyle is their emphasis on caregiving. Research shows that grandparents who provide childcare, such as helping with homework or driving their grandkids to school, score higher on memory and verbal fluency tests compared to those who don’t. Fertz, who lives with her grandson, says, ‘Every day spent with my great-granddaughter is a gift that never ceases to amaze me.’

Walking is also a fundamental part of the Italian nonne’s lifestyle. Italian cities and villages are highly walkable, and even if someone has a car, walking is often the preferred mode of transportation due to narrow streets and expensive gas. As Daniel Lieberman, a professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, notes, ‘Walking is the most fundamental form of human physical activity, and many, many hundreds of studies confirm that walking helps people age slower and better.’

Other habits of the Italian nonne include living mindfully, eating seasonally, and connecting with their community. By adopting these habits, anyone can maximize their life and live longer, healthier.

In fact, research suggests that even 15 minutes of fast walking a day can reduce premature death. And when it comes to eating, the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on olive oil, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, has been linked to longevity. As Antonino De Lorenzo, professor emeritus of human nutrition at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, notes, ‘A high-quality diet, maintained over time, promotes healthier aging, characterized by better preservation of physical, mental, and cognitive functions, as well as reduced exposure to major chronic diseases.’

So, what can we learn from the Italian nonne? By embracing their habits and adopting a more mindful, connected, and healthy lifestyle, we can all maximize our lives and live longer, healthier.