A model that blends science, tradition and community to rethink ageing in Europe

In the heart of Sardinia’s Ogliastra region, a small village is offering Europe a concrete response to one of the most pressing demographic challenges of our time: an ageing population. In Perdasdefogu, longevity is not an exception — it’s a way of life. And it is here that the PERDAS Code was born: a model shaped by real-life observation of daily habits, intergenerational relationships and community values, now presented as a replicable approach to healthy ageing.

The PERDAS Code is not just a theory. It is the result of field research led by the World Longevity Community (CMdL), chaired by gerontologist Dr Roberto Pili. It offers an alternative to the overly medicalised, hospital-centred approach to ageing, by combining health, environment, culture and human connection into one coherent framework.

“We don’t age only by biological fate. We age by design.”
– Dr Roberto Pili, President of the World Longevity Community

The Italian paradox: living longer, but not better

In 2025, Italy continues to lead Europe in terms of life expectancy. Yet a worrying trend is emerging: the number of years lived in good health is decreasing, especially among women. We are living longer — but not necessarily well. The risk is that old age becomes synonymous with isolation, fragility and dependency.

Here are some key figures:

Indicator	2025 Data	PERDAS Code Response
Life expectancy	81.4 (men) / 85.5 (women)	Promotion of Mediterranean lifestyle and biological heritage
Healthy life expectancy	59.8 (men) / 56.6 (women)	Encouragement of daily wellbeing practices and social inclusion
People forgoing medical care	9.9%	Community-based healthcare and proximity services
Mental health index	68.4/100	Emotional support and active community relationships
People with chronic disabilities	2.9 million (95.5% over 75)	Prevention of frailty and fostering of active social roles

The PERDAS Code emerges as a systemic solution, acting across multiple levels: personal, social, environmental and institutional.

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“The PERDAS Code transforms old age into a time of purpose, not resignation.”

What is the PERDAS Code?

The name PERDAS is an acronym, each letter representing a pillar of long and meaningful life, as lived in Sardinia’s longevity hotspots:

Letter	Meaning	Description
P	Purposeful Life Project	Having a daily reason to wake up, remaining engaged and useful even in older age
E	Emotionally Regulated and Positive States	Cultivating emotional balance, stable relationships, and mindfulness practices
R	Relationships – Intergenerational and Communal	Rebuilding community bonds, shared memory and the sense of belonging
D	Local Mediterranean Diet	Eating seasonally, simply, and locally — rooted in biodiversity and tradition
A	Active Everyday Movement	Walking, gardening, moving naturally: the environment becomes a therapeutic space
S	Sustained, Integrated Health and Prevention	A holistic view of health including mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing

This is not a checklist, but rather a philosophy of living well — simple, adaptable, and rooted in both science and common sense.

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A model for Europe’s ageing future

The PERDAS Code is not confined to Sardinia. It aspires to become a policy reference and cultural framework for European countries facing rapidly ageing populations. The real challenge — and opportunity — is to transform over-70s from perceived burdens into key contributors to society.

“We don’t age only by biological fate. We age by design,” says Dr Roberto Pili. “And that design is shaped daily — through relationships, place, and purpose.”

The Code is more than prevention. It’s a culture of longevity, one that begins in childhood and lasts a lifetime. It can be implemented in rural villages or urban neighbourhoods, in healthcare services, schools, and families.

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“From a Sardinian village to a European blueprint: longevity begins in everyday life.”

Reimagining health for a wiser future

Adopting the PERDAS Code means investing in resilient communities, reinforcing social bonds, reducing health inequalities, and promoting a culture where growing older is something to be lived — not endured.

This is a Mediterranean route to longevity: deeply human, scientifically grounded, and ready to be shared and adapted far beyond Sardinia.

And if Europe is to grow older, then surely it must also grow wiser.