The Scientific Senate of the Dan Voiculescu Foundation for the Development of Romania persists in identifying the localities with the highest concentration of individuals who have attained the longest life expectancy in our country, in relation to the number of inhabitants. The latest addition to the "Longevity Map of Romania" is the commune of Cireșu in Mehedinți County. This project, the first of its kind at the national level, has the primary objective of mapping and analysing areas in the country where life expectancy is significantly higher than the national average. This is the first occasion on which all localities in Romania have been mapped. The preliminary data indicate that there are in excess of 370,000 individuals aged 85 or above, representing 1.94% of the total population of the country.
One such remarkable area is Cireșu commune, situated within Mehedinți county.The municipality has one of the highest proportions of residents aged 85 and above in Romania, which positions it as one of the most longevity-oriented localities on the country's Longevity Map. Cireșu is a small commune with a population of only 483, according to the 2021 census. It includes the villages of Bunoaica, Jupânești, Negrușa and Cireșu (the administrative centre). The commune is situated in an area of hills and plateaus in the north-central part of Mehedinți County, and is characterised by a gentle relief, with the majority of the land covered by forests and agricultural land.
The natural environment has facilitated the maintenance of a healthy and balanced lifestyle for its inhabitants. The majority of them have led lives characterised by hard work in agriculture, striving to live their lives using only what they produced in their own household, with a profound respect for local traditions. Simple nutrition, daily physical activity, an optimistic attitude and respect for community values have played a pivotal role in maintaining the long-term health of the seniors.
The "Longevity Map of Romania" is a comprehensive initiative that extends beyond the mere mapping of long-living localities. Currently, the Scientific Senate's team of experts is engaged in meticulous qualitative research, with a focus on elucidating the genetic and lifestyle factors that contribute to the longevity of seniors in these areas. The research encompasses rigorous medical assessments, genetic analyses, and socio-anthropological studies, which delve into the behaviours and habits of the communities in question.
A significant element of the research is the examination of the 90+ segment, which constitutes a mere 0.5% of Romania's total population. These individuals, who have surpassed the age of 90, are being studied to identify biomarkers of longevity and other pertinent medical characteristics. Additionally, the biological age of these subjects is being investigated and compared to their chronological age, with the objective of providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing lifespan.
The complete findings of the Longevity Map of Romania project will be unveiled at a dedicated symposium at the Romanian Academy on 9 October 2024. This event will convene leading experts and academics to examine the prospects for longevity in Romania and assess the potential integration of these insights into the formulation of efficacious public policies.
