CAUTION ADVISED: this podcast contains swearing.

A long healthy life is no accident. It begins with good genes, but it also depends on good habits. If you adopt the right lifestyle, experts say, chances are you may live up to a decade longer. So, what’s the formula for success? National Geographic Explorer and author Dan Buettner has led teams of researchers across the globe to uncover the secrets of Blue Zones—geographic regions where high percentages of centenarians are enjoying remarkably long, full, and happy lives. In this week’s episode, I talk with Dan about his adventures in the Blue Zones and discuss what we can all learn from his findings.

Dan found commonalities amongst each of these Blue Zones, which led to a formula for success that includes lifestyle, community, and purpose. We delve into all these areas and discuss how achieving a long, healthy, and happy life is something that goes far beyond personal responsibility. People in these longevity hot spots do not pursue health and happiness. Health and happiness ensue from the environment they are in. Dan explains what you can do to design your surroundings to stack the deck in favor of health, longevity, and happiness. We also discuss Dan’s Blue Zones Project—a health and longevity initiative that models the principles of communities around the world that have the longest living people and applies those principles to other cities and communities. The results have been staggering.

Finally, Dan explains how he has changed his own lifestyle following his research, and he shares his top tips for living a longer and more fulfilling life. This is a fascinating conversation – I hope you enjoy it!

Further learning:

• Gallup World Poll
• nationalgeographic.com – About Dan Buettner
• TED Talk – How to live to be 100+
• outsideonline.com – Life Tips from Happiness Expert Dan Buettner
• nbcnews.com – What ‘Blue Zone’ city Loma Linda, California can teach us about living longer
• theguardian.com – The island of long life
• nytimes.com – My Dinner With Longevity Expert Dan Buettner (No Kale Required)

Dr Chatterjee’s related resources:

• Blog – How to L.I.V.E More