What are “Blue Zones”? Where in the world do people live better and healthier lives? What makes them live longer and healthier? To answer these questions, Pedro Pinto interviews Dan Buettner in this episode of “It’s Not That Simple”, a podcast by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation.

The author of five books on longevity and happiness, Buettner discovered the five places in the world—dubbed Blue Zones—where people lived the longest, healthiest lives and shared this information with the world. His books were all national bestsellers. Together with his writing, Buettner works in partnership with municipal governments, large employers, and health insurance companies to implement Blue Zones Projects in communities, workplaces, and universities. He is also a three-time Guinness World Record distance cycling holder.

In this episode, Buettner explains what he means by “Blue Zones”: the five areas of the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. He considers how our environment (the food we eat, our social habits, our incentives) affects our quality of life. Buettner then explores how factors like family or a sense of purpose can contribute to a longer life expectancy, and highlights how a “peasant diet” is an essential element of the “Blue Zone” life. Buettner also discusses what people in countries like the United States are doing wrong that makes them live shorter and less healthy lives than people in the “Blue Zones”. He also talks about his work with city governments in the United States to develop and implement policies to nudge people to adopt better habits and improve their well-being. Finally, he addresses the potential negative consequences of a longer life, in a conversation well worth listening to.
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