Arts & Lectures

UCSB Arts & Lectures brought best-selling Blue Zones author Dan Buettner and photographer David McLain to Campbell Hall on the campus for their presentation on the secrets to living longer and better lives after studying the world’s happiest, healthiest, and longest-living people. Prior to the talk there was a private dinner reception at sponsors Nicole and Kirt Woodhouse’s home in Montecito.

These two guys spent two decades studying the lifestyles of folks who lived so long. It took them from the Silk Road to the Mayan ruins, the Great Barrier Reef and the jungles of the Amazon. They discovered five places in the world – dubbed Blue Zones. Their secrets had to do with food, family, staying active, and even drinking red wine. They didn’t really try, but had mostly a plant based diet and not too many eggs or cheese.

Buettner now works in partnership with municipal governments, large employers, and health insurance companies to implement Blue Zones Projects in communities, workplaces, and universities. They focus on changes to the local environment, public policy, and social networks. This program has dramatically improved the health of more than five million Americans to date. 

Buettner has several books out like The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. He has appeared on many national TV shows like Oprah, NBC Nightly News, and Good Morning America. His TED talk has been viewed more than three million times.

McLain has shot seven feature length assignments for National Geographic Magazine including Dan’s cover story, “The Secrets of Living Longer.”

If you’d like more information about Arts & Lectures events call 805.893.3535.