The key to living longer? Dan Buettner discusses "Blue Zones" research

Dan Buettner, author of “The “Blue Zones Solution,” and CBS News chief medical correspondent, Dr. Jon LaPook, join CBSN to talk about the connection between diet and living well beyond the average lifespan. Dan is an American National Geographic Fellow and New York Times-bestselling author. He is an explorer, educator, author, producer, storyteller and public speaker.

The Blue Zones are communities he has identified which have common elements of lifestyle, diet, and outlook which lead to an exceptional quality of life. His extensive study has helped us understand it’s the everyday things they do – the food they eat, the company they keep, and their perspectives on life. As a result, they have fewer diseases, more active lives, and vibrant circles of friends and family.

Blue Zones publications have been expanding my library since the 2008 publication of his first book, The Blue Zones – Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. His research into The Blue Zones has also influenced my travels since leaving the ranch in late 2012!