In a national inaugural presentation, the Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania has developed the inaugural longevity map of the country. The project, which comprises both a quantitative and a qualitative study, has identified a number of Romanian localities with a high proportion of residents aged 65 and over. The municipality of Pardoși in Buzău County is the most aged-oriented in the country, with a population over 85 years of age representing 10.16% of the total population. This figure is five times the national average of 1.92%. The second and third most aged-oriented municipalities are Cireșu in Mehedinți County and Murgești in Buzău County.
It is notable that two of the top three communes in the ranking are situated in Buzău County. This prompts the question of whether Buzău County can be classified as a "blue zone" of longevity in Romania. The term "blue zones" refers to geographical regions where the average lifespan is significantly longer than the global average. This is often attributed to a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet and a close-knit community.
What are the factors that contribute to the exceptional longevity of the inhabitants of Pardoși? Preliminary research indicates that several factors are involved in this phenomenon:
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The inhabitants of Pardoși adhere to a traditional diet that is characterised by a high consumption of vegetables, fruit, dairy products and quality meat, often sourced locally. It appears that a moderate and balanced diet, combined with the avoidance of processed foods, plays a pivotal role in maintaining good health.
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Engaging in physical activity, whether in the context of domestic work or agricultural labour, is conducive to maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle among the elderly. Such activities contribute to the maintenance of optimal physical condition and the prevention of health issues associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
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The residents of Pardoși enjoy a high degree of social integration, forming a cohesive community where social relations and mutual support are particularly strong. This fosters a positive emotional environment, which in turn has a beneficial effect on stress levels and mental well-being.
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The provision of healthcare services is a significant achievement, particularly in rural areas, where people have access to essential healthcare. Furthermore, many individuals have adopted preventative practices to maintain their health, which is a testament to the effectiveness of healthcare initiatives in these communities.
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to this remarkable longevity, the Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania has initiated a research project with the objective of creating a longevity map of Romania. This research project is designed to investigate the habits, lifestyle and environmental factors that favour a long and healthy life in different regions of the country.
The municipality of Pardoși in Buzău County represents an exemplary model of longevity, attributable to a multifaceted approach encompassing nutritional habits, physical activity, social cohesion, and access to healthcare. This observation not only encourages the adoption of a similar lifestyle but also facilitates further investigation into longevity patterns in Romania.
