8 ways to live longer, Italian style!

Not too long ago, National Geographic Magazine called attention to some places in the world where people enjoy exceptionally long and healthy lives.

I was dying to know what I could learn from the folks in Okinawa, Sardinia and Seventh-Day Adventist communities in California about how to live a long and healthy life. So when I recently traveled to Sardinia, I headed for the mountains where friends introduced me to 95-year-old Pasquale Buttau.

Signor Buttau lives with his wife Anna in a three-story house that clings to a hill and overlooks a spectacular view that makes you want to live forever.

I asked him what he thought helped him to live so long and here's what he said:

1. Live longer lesson: Chill out!
"Don't worry about it too much." Life will always be uncertain and clambering after a sure-fire way to live to be 120 may add some days to your life, but it isn't going to add much life to your days.

2. Live longer lesson: Live!
"Enjoy the days; that's all that matters." Live every day to the fullest. Sometimes this is easy: think of a gorgeous day at the beach. Othertimes it's harder: you're busy and you feel trapped by life's demands. These are the days when you can use your creativity to make some aware and lively moments. Take a break, treat yourself to something you enjoy, do some exercise or work in a bit of yoga.

3. Live longer lesson: Rest
"Every day, we stop and make lunch together. Sometimes I take a nap." Whatever you're doing: take a break. In Italy, it's known as the sosta and like the Spanish siesta, it's a chance to slow down. Compare that thought with gulping down lunch at your desk.

4. Live longer lesson: Walk
Lose your car keys -- at least temporarily. The Buttaus still have their car, and yes, he still drives at 95 -- but they consider it to be a luxury: something for pleasure and not for everyday use. They walk to their garden, to their vineyard and -- four days a week -- to the market.

Click here for four more ways to live longer...

Page 1 of 2