Italians on Italians
Beyond Toscano

Positively Italian

It’s well known that the Mediterranean diet plays a positive role in the life expectancy of Italians. But there could be some other reasons why so many enjoy the dolce vita (sweet life) well into old age. Here are some Italian mantras for living a long life. 
 
Take your time 
From taking the time to fully enjoy a sit down meal, to slowly sipping espresso in a café, your time may be precious, but it counts for nothing if it’s not enjoyable. 
 
Embrace the great outdoors
The idea of fresh air having restorative powers may be an old wives’ tale, but there’s much to be said for outdoor exercise and social activities. 
 
Be social 
From catch-ups with old friends, to spending time with different generations of your family, the best recipe for happiness is love and laughter. 
 
Enjoy the things you love 
Healthy eating is important, but that doesn’t mean you should be deprived of the things that make you happy. Enjoy wine in moderation, and feel free to say yes to a little gelato. After all, everything is good in moderation.