In this bite-sized episode of The Next Bit, Hannah McQueen and Mark Leishman speak with Brightly’s Lead Geriatrician, Dr Cheryl Johnson, about the powerful link between human connection, sense of purpose, and longevity.

Drawing on research from the world’s Blue Zones (regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives), Dr Johnson explains why strong social ties and meaningful roles in the community are key drivers of healthy ageing.

You’ll discover:

+ What Blue Zones are and what they teach us about living longer

+ Why social connection reduces mortality risk

+ The science behind loneliness and early death

+ Why face-to-face interaction is more powerful than texting or emailing

+ How loss of purpose can accelerate decline after losing a spouse, and so much more!

This short episode is a reminder that ageing well isn’t just about diet and exercise - it’s also about connection.

For more on this topic, listen to the full-length episode: Can You Actually Slow Ageing?

Live well and independent for longer. Get your whole of person assessment at www.agebrightly.co.nz

The Next Bit Hosts are:

Hannah McQueen - Founder of Brightly

Mark Leishman - New Zealand TV and Radio Broadcaster

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This podcast was written and produced by the amazing team at PodLab www.podlab.nz