Designing Longevity Communities

The Future Age

The role of community design in promoting wellness at every age.

In this episode of The Future Age podcast, we explore the concept of designing longevity communities with guests Dr. Katharine Smart, a pediatrician and former President of the Canadian Medical Association, and Nick Buettner, VP of Community Engagement at Blue Zones.
Katharine talks about how childhood experiences shape lifelong health, emphasizing the need for a shift in how we think about aging and its connection to early life. Key insights include the role of community design in promoting wellness at every age and how better support for young families can dramatically improve long-term health outcomes. Nick shares real-world examples of how policy, urban planning, and collaboration between sectors can create environments conducive to healthy, long-lived lives. For more information and a list of resources go to TheFutureAge.ca.

Resources:

• The Future Age Podcast: Episode 5: Impact Networks
• A Measure Of Child And Youth Well-Being In Wealthy Countries: UNICEF Report Card16
• The Martin Family Initiative: The Early Years
• The Secrets of Long Life by Dan Buettner: National Geographic
• Blue Zones: Partners With Public And Private Sector Leaders To Increase The Well-Being Of Communities.
• Nick Buettner | Blue Zones
• Dr. Katharine Smart | LinkedIn

Connect:

• Learn More:The Future Age
• LinkedIn: SE Health
• YouTube: SE Health
• Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter / X
• Connect w/ Zannat: LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Zannat Reza introduces guests Dr. Katharine Smart, former President of the CMA, and Nick Buettner, VP at Blue Zones.

(00:01:02) Health Across All Ages

Essential environmental factors that promote thriving at all stages of life.
(00:02:49) Relational Health Initiatives

Insights on programs like the Early Years Program to improve relational health in communities.
(00:04:01) Advocating for Relational Health Programs

Steps to advocate for relational health programs in local communities.
(00:05:08) Funding for Child Well-being Programs

The importance of government and philanthropic funding for early childhood programs.
(00:06:09) Canada and Children’s Well-being

Canada’s ranking in child well-being and the need for prevention-focused investments.
(00:07:33) Countries Excelling in Child Well-being

Countries like the Netherlands and Scandinavian nations that outperform in child well-being.
(00:08:34) Creating Supportive Environments

Rethinking healthcare beyond sick care to include wellness care and urban planning.
(00:09:55) The Final Question: Katharine Smart

Katharine shares the radical but realistic change she would make to improve society’s well-being.
(00:11:04) Lessons from Blue Zones

Nine key factors found in Blue Zone communities that promote longevity.
(00:13:37) Creating Longevity Hotspots

The role of policies in designing environments that promote long, healthy lives.
(00:15:14) Policies for Promoting Health and Wellness

Policies that enhance public health through better infrastructure and access to healthy foods.
(00:16:44) Successful Marquee Projects

Large-scale projects, such as a roundabout in Hawaii, that enhance community well-being.
(00:17:36) Obstacles to Implementing Longevity Initiatives

The challenges in integrating health initiatives across sectors and ensuring sustainability.
(00:18:28) Steps for Designing Longevity Communities

Partnerships with communities to create measurable strategies for long-term health improvement.
(00:19:25) Ingredients for Successful Blue Zone Projects

Four essential elements for community-led longevity projects, from leadership to accountability.
(00:21:38) Challenges and Lessons Learned

Lessons from failed initiatives, emphasizing the need for long-term commitment and readiness.
(00:22:40) The Final Question: Nick Buettner

Nick shares the radical but realistic change she would make to improve society’s well-being.
(00:23:12) Conclusion

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:02) - Health Across All Ages
• (02:49) - Relational Health Initiatives
• (04:01) - Advocating for Relational Health Programs
• (05:08) - Funding for Child Well-being Programs
• (06:09) - Canada and Children’s Well-being
• (07:33) - Countries Excelling in Child Well-being
• (08:34) - Creating Supportive Environments
• (09:55) - The Final Question: Katharine Smart
• (11:04) - Lessons from Blue Zones
• (13:37) - Creating Longevity Hotspots
• (15:14) - Policies for Promoting Health and Wellness
• (16:44) - Successful Marquee Projects
• (17:36) - Obstacles to Implementing Longevity Initiatives
• (18:28) - Steps for Designing Longevity Communities
• (19:25) - Ingredients for Successful Blue Zone Projects
• (21:38) - Challenges and Lessons Learned
• (22:40) - The Final Question: Nick Buettner
• (23:12) - Conclusion