Blue Zones: The World's Longevity Hot Spots

Description

What can we learn from the people who live the longest? This interactive program will introduce participants to Blue Zones, regions of the world that have been recognized for having unusually high numbers of people who live to very old ages. We will explore the lifestyle habits and daily practices of centenarians and consider how these lessons might be adapted to our own lives and communities.

The program will begin with a presentation introducing the concept of Blue Zones, including an overview of several Blue Zone regions around the world. The instructor will also share insights and experiences from a recent visit to Sardinia, Italy, one of the regions associated with longevity and a Blue Zone.

Following the presentation, participants will take part in a hands-on activity to reflect on their own eating habits using longevity-focused questions and discuss common barriers to maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, as well as practical strategies for overcoming them.

We will then have a cooking demonstration to prepare and sample a traditional Sardinian dish, connecting the discussion of longevity with the region's food traditions and culture.

Facilitator

Dr. Jong Min Lee is an Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Food Studies, College for Community Health at Montclair State University.