Vitantonio Lovallo, 112, is the oldest man in Italy.

The oldest living man in Italy is Vitantonio Lovallo, known as Zitòn, 112 years old, resident in the hamlet of Sarnelli in Avigliano, in the province of Potenza, in BasilicataHis life is truly a novel, and it well explains the secret of this extraordinary longevity.

Vitantonio started working at 16, as a shepherd, also helping his parents in the corn and wheat fields.

During the Second Word War he was called to the front and, in 1943, it was done prisoner in Greece by German forces and interned in the concentration camp of Stalag VIII C, where he remained until the end of the conflict in 1945: Vitantonio also wrote a long diary of this experience, now kept by his granddaughter Sara. When he returned to his homeland, he never got a driving license, but worked as a muleteers (he transported wood and other materials with mules) and continued to farm for most of his life, until the age of 103.

• He got married in 1936 and with his wife he had four children (two females and two males, one of whom sadly died at an early age). His wife lived to .
• Beyond the mysteries of genetics, Vitantonio's longevity can be explained by science. An active life, rich in passions and human relationships. Plenty of physical activity, thanks to work in the fields and with mules. A typical Lucanian diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet: legumes, seasonal vegetables, fruit, whole grains and olive oil, with little meat and refined sugars.
• And finally, an important secret: always take very few medications, and only when they're really needed. With the exception of Cardioaspirin, which has protected Vitantonio's heart for years.

Cover photo taken from the Facebook page of Erminio Cioffi

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• Anna Possi, at 101, is the oldest bartender in Italy.