Learn, Live, Longevity

The cost is "not going"

As an industry professional based in Perth, Western Australia, I have just returned from a Blue Zone tour of Sardinia with Marcus Pearce, and I want to share the experience and perspective just in case it's on your bucket list. If it is, I urge you to weigh only the cost of not going.

Quality over quantity, for as long as possible

My partner (affectionately known as "The Farmer") and I are well-travelled and we love to go off the beaten track. I can say without hesitation that the Blue Zone Longevity tour to Sardinia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not only to see landscapes that are breathtaking beyond description, but to meet people who genuinely welcome you into their lives, to learn history you'd never find in a book, and to build relationships with like-minded people. None of this happens from behind a desk. You could never find these places, or these people, on your own as a tourist.

Having spent decades in this industry, my reason for going wasn't a desire to live to a hundred. It was this: I want to live the best version of myself, year on year, and I want the tools to help others do the same. This is very much a "step outside your comfort zone" trip and will leave you energised and completely at ease.

A glimpse of an amazing tour

We flew into Rome and travelled on to Sardinia together, all fourteen of us in total. After meeting our driver and interpreter, we went straight to the local produce market for tastings of fresh seafood, cheese, cured meats, fruit and, of course, local vino. From there, a two-hour drive and an easy-to-moderate five-kilometre walk brought us to the last of the 550 wild horses remaining on the mountain, alongside herds of goats and sizeable cattle, all roaming freely, entirely unbothered by our presence.

We then made our way to Ivo (Ivo is also our interpreter) boutique hotel in Nurachi. No comfort was spared as meals of local produce were prepared on-site and shared around a communal dining table. Ivo and his family were warm, generous hosts and remarkably knowledgeable.

What followed were three days of immersive learning in a world that feels no obligation to keep pace with modern life or its stresses. We were briefed on local traditions, historic ruins, crops, culture and people while driving, while eating, and whenever Ivo could fit in another story. He's not just a gifted storyteller but a true professor of the region (You can look him up for yourselves: Ivo Pirisi).

Highlights included art classes, dinner in a historic wine cellar with locals, cliff jumping and swimming in some of the best waters we've seen, and unlimited pizza and wine at sunset on the beach.

On day four, we travelled to Antichi Ovili Village, 700 metres above sea level, staying in original shepherd huts. We listened to a special guest perform pipe music on the cliffside, followed by traditional dancing by which point we'd all become very experienced Sardinian dancers (not quite!). The landscape and experience is "Breathtaking", which is also an understatement.

Another three-kilometre hike delivered some of the most stunning views of the trip, this time after a meal of wild snails cooked over coals, more cheese and cured meats, more stories, and a meet-and-greet with the local cheesemaker and his family, who laid on yet another long-table lunch for us.

There was bread-making with the nonnas, an exercise class led by an 89-year-old four-time karate gold medallist, weaving with the women of the centenarian village of Seulo, and meetings with a 104 and a 96-year-old who still gathers and chops her own firewood, and a glass of wine with a 93-year-old. There were hills to climb, and relationships to build.

And so much more …

What comes next

Following this trip, I'll be working with the Seniors Own Management team to shape strategic plans that translate these lessons into positive outcomes for our residents. My longevity learning journey continues in October 2027, in Okinawa, Japan. To follow my journey please visit our website: www.seniorsown.com.au

“Buon e sicuro viaggio a tutti I viaggiatori curiosi” – Happy and safe travels to all who are curious.