The Real Secret to Living Longer | Ken Stern

What’s the real determination for living a long, happy life? This week, Ken Stern joins us to talk about his book, Healthy to 100, which explores the behavioral, social, and cultural forces that shape longevity. Genetics and diet are, of course, important – but they aren’t the only (or even main) factor. According to Ken, the strongest predictors of a long and healthy life often come down to how we’re living our lives and who we’re living it with.

There’s a surprising link between social connection and longevity, including some breathtaking evidence that chronic loneliness may be just as dangerous to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Ken walks us through how belonging, purpose, and community determine both our physical and cognitive health. Different cultures, from the UK to Japan, have varied approaches to keeping aging adults active in communities, and in our chat, we explore some of the unique ways societies around the world are designing environments that support healthier aging.

We also dig into some of the hidden risks of age segregation and isolation, including the unexpected pitfalls of retirement for our social lives. We also discuss the positive – how simple routines and relationships can have a huge effect on our well-being, well into our later years. If you’re curious about healthy living or looking for a simple hack to increase your life’s longevity and meaning, this conversation delivers insights anchored in science and real-world examples.

Want to watch this episode? Check it out on our YouTube Channel