In Caltabellotta, a mountain village in the Agrigento area at 949 meters above sea level, longevity is a widespread reality. Here lives Paolo Amato, 96, who attributes his health to water from the springs, work in the fields and produce from his vegetable garden. Like him, Marianna Ferrante, 95, who recounts a life spent among wheat, olives and hand-grown almonds: “The secret? Vegetables, homemade bread and the climbs walked every day”. Giacoma Abbruzzo, 101, on the other hand, stresses the importance of family: “I live in the same building as my children and grandchildren. Sharing is my strength”. These stories are intertwined with scientific data. Research published in the Journal of Aging and Longevity by Gianni Pes (University of Sassari) and Calogero Caruso (University of Palermo) identified Caltabellotta as an emerging Blue Zone, alongside already celebrated territories such as Okinawa, Ikaria and Barbagia. From 2011 to 2024, scholars surveyed municipal records, finding four times the national average number of centenarians. “Active lifestyles, natural food, mineral-rich water and clean air count here”, Caruso explains. Even moderate altitudes such as those in the Sicani Mountains seem to promote physical and mental well-being and resilience.