'Nonnamaxxing': The unlikely lifestyle trend that could hold the key to health and happiness

Man has long sought the elusive formula for a happy, healthy life – at times seeming to fall just short of any definitive answers.

But as it happens, the key we collectively seek may lie not in the monotonous humdrum of hustle culture, but nestled amongst the winding, sun-drenched cobblestones of Sardinia, Italy.

Here, the days stretch on, balmy evenings ring with the laughter of one's nearest and dearest, and Italian Nonne – grandmothers – embrace an intentional way of life proven to extend lifespans.

The direct antithesis of 'the grind', Tiktokified term 'Nonnamaxxing' presents us with the idea that, should we take a similar approach, we too can suck the marrow out of life.

But it's an approach many across our side of the globe appear to have fallen out of touch with.

Recent data from employment hub Seek's 2025 Workplace Happiness Index unveiled a stark snapshot of the mental fatigue rife across younger cohorts.

According to the index, Gen Z workers in Australia reported the highest levels of workplace burnout across all generations, at 47 per cent.

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Tiktok has since determined that emanating Italian Nonne is the ideal method to combat this – encouraging a healthier, slower approach to life through nine simple steps.

While Italy's evocative blend of warm earth, aromatic herbs and sun-baked vegetation is certainly a balm for the soul, 'Nonnamaxxing' is not reliant upon this environment to prove effective.

More so, this lifestyle is a hearty, nourishing approach to existence that can be achieved with ease – whoever you are, and wherever in the world you may be.

The trend borrows from extensive literature and lifestyle medicine research – and is grounded in first-hand accounts to boot.

In 2005, a National Geographic expedition spearheaded by Dan Buettner sought to uncover the key to longevity.

From humble beginnings, this project evolved into the discovery of five locations around the globe – dubbed 'Blue Zones' – where residents consistently lived to be over 100.

Once these areas were established, a team of anthropologists, demographers, epidemiologists and researchers set out to to identify the lifestyle characteristics that set these particular spots apart.

Across the five Blue Zones located in Japan, Costa Rica, Greece, California and Italy, residents' lifestyle choices remained largely consistent.

In this way, Nonnamaxxing is, in fact, interchangeable with Baachanmaxxing, Yiayiamaxxing or Abuelitamaxxing – so to speak.

According to the original paper Lessons From the World's Longest Livedpublished by Dan Beuttner and Sam Skempt, Blue Zone residents shared nine characteristics across four main categories – aptly dubbed the 'Power Nine' – that lent themselves to a long life largely free of chronic illness.

Activity

Move naturally: As it turns out, longevity stems from weaving constant, low-intensity physical activity into daily routines.

Bad news, gym bros: As exhilarating as Hyrox training and half marathons sound, alternatives along the lines of pottering in the garden, regular walks or simply forgoing power tools for manual labour may prove far more effective in the long run.

To Nonnamax to the fullest extent, ditch the heavy lifting and strict gym regimen; breaking up your standard work day with movement every 10-15 minutes will do you more good.

Outlook

Down shift: Stress is an oft-unavoidable aspect of life – however, it's the manner in which one processes it that makes all the difference.

The most long-lived individuals were found to utilise daily rituals such as naps, prayer, meditation/yoga or social relaxation to effectively combat stress and chronic inflammation.

Reminiscent of the Italian sentiment dolce far niente, which translates to "the sweetness of doing nothing," the concept encourages time set aside to pause, reflect and simply be.

Purpose: Ikigai, Plan de vida – whatever you want to call it, knowing your 'why' is crucial; and listlessness is the silent killer.

Having a clear reason to get up in the morning is linked to lower mortality rates and up to seven additional years of life.

Diet

Wine at five: Hard to argue with that one. Surprisingly, most centenarians enjoy moderate, regular alcohol consumption (one or two glasses per day) – with the key accompaniment of friends, food or both.

Moral of the story: a bitta vino post-work tends to go a long way.

Plant slant: The diet of your average Nonna tends to be around 95 per cent plant-based – largely anchored by beans and whole grains, with very little meat or processed sugar in the mix.

Ditch the Uber Eats, and pick up a pot: For a simple, nutrient-rich Mediterranean diet whipped up in your own kitchen is the cornerstone of Nonnamaxxing.

80 per cent rule: Nonne tend to exercise strict discipline where food consumption is concerned, avoiding overeating altogether by wrapping up meals when around 80 per cent full.

What's more; it's considered standard to consume their smallest meal in the late afternoons or evenings, while their bulkiest is reserved for the mornings.

Connections

Loved ones first: Stereotypical busybodiness aside; strong family bonds are a priority among the Nonne of Italy, with aging parents kept close to the home to provide wisdom and care for younger generations.

Belong: Participating in a faith-based community – regardless of denomination – was also found to significantly increase life expectancy.

Right tribe: Longevity is supported by "curating" a social circle that encourages healthy habits and emotional well-being.

Nonne may have penned the secret recipe for wellbeing, but implementing it into our own lives is a realistic process that could prove endlessly beneficial in the long run.

The path forward is clear: living deliberately and embracing a slower pace may just be the key to prolonging what precious time we each have above ground.

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