health

Nonnamaxxing: do Italian grandmothers hold the secret to a long and happy life?

Gen Z are turning to nonnas for inspiration on how to live to be 100. Will donning a flowery dress and making their own pasta sauce do the trick?

Nonnamaxxing: do Italian grandmothers hold the secret to a long and happy life?

TL;DR

  • Nonnamaxxing is a trend where Gen Z emulates Italian grandmothers for longevity.
  • It involves an active lifestyle, homemade Mediterranean diet, strong family ties, and community involvement.
  • Sardinia, Italy, is a Blue Zone known for people living past 100.
  • The trend is seen as an antidote to the modern condition by younger generations.
  • A key element is 'dolce far niente' (the sweetness of doing nothing), interpreted by Gen Z as reducing phone use.
  • Social media versions often focus on aspirational recipes and fashion rather than authentic practices.
  • Actual grandmothers may have unconventional ways of 'nonnamaxxing', like working as Deliveroo drivers.