Italy centenarians have surged to new heights in 2025, with over 2,000 people reaching the milestone age, most of them women, reflecting the country’s growing elderly population.
According to Istat, Italy now has 23,548 centenarians, compared with 21,211 in 2024, more than double the number reported in 2009, highlighting the nation’s increasing ageing population.
Women dominate Italy’s centenarian population, making up 82.6% of those reaching 100 this year, a trend mirrored among semi-supercentenarians aged 105 and over, as well as supercentenarians beyond 110.
Lucia Laura Sangenito, who lives in Campania, will celebrate her 115th birthday on 22 November. “I eat well, stay active, and cherish my family,” she says, exemplifying longevity in Italy.
Italy’s history of longevity includes Emma Morano from Piedmont, who held the title of the world’s oldest person until her death in 2017 at 117, showing the long-standing culture of healthy ageing.
Vitantonio Lovallo, Italy’s oldest man, recently marked his 111th birthday. “Every day is a gift,” he tells the Guardian, underscoring the resilience and social wellbeing among Italy centenarians.
The surge in Italy centenarians mirrors a broader European trend, with the EU projected to host nearly half a million people aged 100 or older by 2050, up from 96,600 in 2019.
France, Italy, and Greece report the highest ratio of centenarians per capita, while the UK’s numbers doubled from 8,300 in 2004 to 16,600 in 2024, reflecting a pan-European ageing population.
Within Italy, Molise leads in centenarians per capita, followed by the Aosta Valley and Liguria, showing how regional factors, including lifestyle and healthcare access, contribute to longevity.
Sardinia is particularly famous for its “blue zones,” where lifestyle, social cohesion, and diet lead to exceptionally long life spans, forming global interest among scientists studying healthy ageing.
Perdasdefogu, a remote Sardinian town, has twice set Guinness World Records for centenarian concentration. In 2012, the Melis family’s combined age reached 818, highlighting remarkable longevity among Italy centenarians.
In 2021, Perdasdefogu achieved a second record, with eight centenarians among 1,778 residents. “We live with purpose, help each other, and enjoy simple meals,” says one local centenarian, reflecting social wellbeing.
Italy centenarians are often active and independent. Anna Possi, turning 101 on 16 November, still works in her Lake Maggiore bar. “I keep going as long as my health allows,” she adds.
Candida Uderzo renewed her driving licence at 100 in 2022, while Luciano Gulmini did the same in 2024. “I still enjoy driving to meet friends,” Gulmini says, showing the vitality of Italy centenarians.
Experts link Italy centenarians’ longevity to the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. “Nutrition combined with social ties and exercise explains much of this longevity,” says Dr. Maria Russo, a gerontologist.
Strong social networks contribute to longevity. Many Italy centenarians remain active in family life and local communities. “We talk, share meals, and stay connected,” says Lovallo, emphasizing social wellbeing’s role in healthy ageing.
The ageing population presents government challenges. Low birth rates combined with rising numbers of Italy centenarians place pressure on pensions, healthcare, and eldercare systems, demanding policy reforms.
In 2024, Italy recorded only 370,000 births, the lowest since unification in 1861, intensifying demographic concerns as the population of Italy centenarians continues to expand steadily.
Healthcare systems must adapt to older citizens’ needs, balancing chronic disease management, preventive care, and support for independent living, ensuring quality of life for Italy centenarians.
Italy centenarians inspire research into longevity. Studies examine genetics, diet, social engagement, and environment, revealing insights into healthy ageing applicable beyond Italy’s borders, impacting global public health approaches.
“The secret is balance,” says Dr. Russo. “Italy centenarians eat well, remain active, and stay socially involved. These factors together extend both lifespan and healthspan.”
Italy centenarians also challenge societal expectations of ageing. Many remain physically active, mentally alert, and socially engaged, redefining what it means to live beyond 100 while maintaining independence.
Policy makers are increasingly focused on eldercare and pensions as Italy centenarians grow in number. Sustainable infrastructure and healthcare funding are critical to accommodate longer lifespans and ageing populations.
Italy centenarians’ resilience demonstrates the importance of combining lifestyle, diet, healthcare, and social support for longevity. These elements illustrate the interplay of culture and biology in active ageing.
In Sardinia, community and purpose are central. “We help each other and enjoy daily tasks,” says one 102-year-old resident. This philosophy reflects social wellbeing’s role in maintaining vitality among Italy centenarians.
Italy centenarians symbolize cultural continuity, resilience, and family values. Celebrated nationally, they provide lessons in lifestyle, nutrition, and social engagement that other nations can emulate in healthy ageing initiatives.
The number of Italy centenarians in 2025, over 2,000, demonstrates how diet, social wellbeing, active lifestyles, and accessible healthcare contribute to longer, fulfilling lives while raising awareness of demographic challenges.
Longevity in Italy is a combination of diet, social networks, healthcare, and purposeful living. Italy centenarians continue to inspire admiration and research, offering a blueprint for healthy ageing worldwide.
Italy centenarians continue to grow, highlighting longevity, Mediterranean diet benefits, active ageing, social wellbeing, and the societal challenges of an ageing population, while inspiring global research into healthy ageing.
