This special longevity edition celebrates the timeless Roman wisdom of mens sana in corpore sano (a healthy mind in a healthy body)— The original context was actually part of a longer passage about what one should pray for, suggesting that rather than praying for wealth or power, one should pray for mental and physical health. The phrase has since become a foundational principle in education and athletics, particularly embraced by the Olympic movement and sports organizations worldwide. Through these intensive interviews, we embark on a captivating journey across Italy, exploring the fascinating intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science in the pursuit of a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Our voyage begins in Sardinia's "Blue Zone," where Dr. Gianni Pes unveils the secrets of centenarians - secrets found not in elixirs, but woven into the fabric of daily life through seasonal eating, tight-knit communities, and time-honored culinary traditions. We witness the marriage of this ancestral knowledge with cutting-edge research in the work of luminaries like Dr. Valter Longo, whose pioneering studies on fasting-mimicking diets are rewriting the rules of aging, and Dr. Sara Farnetti, who eloquently bridges the realms of traditional healing and modern functional nutrition. But the essence of longevity extends beyond physical health, touching what gives life meaning. This is beautifully embodied by our cover star, Ascanio Pacelli. A descendant of Pope Pius XII and President of the PGA Italy, Ascanio's enduring vitality shines through his devotion to golf, his lasting marriage, and his commitment to honoring his noble lineage. His story reminds us that true longevity is about living each day with purpose, presence, and passion.
The theme of renewal continues in our exploration of Italian innovation, from the revolutionary thinking of Anthony Di Iorio to the artisanal excellence of BenHeart's leather craftsmanship, with heart (literally). We delve deeper into the origins of Mediterranean dietary staples, following Pietro Re's journey to create exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil from volcanic soil, and join Michelin Star Chef Davide Guidara as he reimagines plant-based Sicilian cuisine. Even our examination of bread - that most basic yet controversial of foods - reveals how rekindling our relationship with traditional foods is a matter of understanding, not avoidance. The pursuit of timeless beauty takes many forms, as seen in celebrity hairstylist Alessio Viscontini's ancestral secrets for maintaining healthy, vibrant hair, proving that true style transcends trends.
This ethos is embodied by Franco Pulicati, the 87-year-old who defies conventional limits by performing graceful acrobatics on rollerblades in Villa Borghese - a living embodiment of the ageless spirit of Roman vitality. It's echoed in the story of Villa La Cappella, where 13th-century stones are given new life by dedicated Canadian stewards, becoming a testament to the power of preservation and renewal.
What emerges is a vision of longevity as an art of living, or "buon vivere" - one that reveres the past while embracing the future, nourishes body and soul, individual and community, the ancestral and the avant-garde. It's a reminder that perhaps the root of all evil is being inactive. Not innovating. Not striving for a better outcome.
As you immerse yourself in these stories, my wish is that these interviews will kindle within you a renewed passion for crafting your own path to a life well-lived. After all, perhaps the real elixir of longevity lies in recognizing that our time is finite, and therefore infinitely precious - and in choosing, again and again, to fill it with energy and renewal. As you turn these pages, you’ll discover that longevity flows from the harmony of mind and body—the wisdom of our ancestors made new. It is the choice to nourish both spirit and form, to create with passion, and to preserve what matters most. After all, this is the Italian way: to live fully today while building for centuries unseen.
With gratitude,​​​​​​​​
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Giovanna G. Bonomo
Editorial Director & Editor-in-Chief
Concepteur of the multimedia brand Lost & Found in Italy
