Dan Buettner, longevity expert: “The people who live the longest don’t just exercise more, they build friendships”
The expert has highlighted the importance of playing sports with other people, linking socialization and longevity.
Longevity is a mystery many scientists are trying to solve. Countless experts have spent years conducting extensive research in an attempt to understand what lies behind the passing of time, how certain habits influence the body’s aging process and, ultimately, why people grow old and how they can age without experiencing significant physical decline.
This is not the first time Dan Buettner has spoken on the subject. He is widely regarded as one of the leading voices on longevity. But comments he made two years ago have recently resurfaced and attracted major attention because of how strongly they reinforce a theory he has defended for years.
The remarks came in the Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones documentary series on Netflix, where he explains his well-known theory about the regions of the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Naturally, he recommends physical exercise, but his emphasis is not on intensity. Instead, it is on social connection.
The human and social value of sports
First, he recommends practicing a sport that can keep you active for decades. “It can add years to your life when you walk the course instead of taking the cart,” he says, using golf as an example. He has also repeatedly pointed to racket sports, which “consistently rank among the best for longevity because they combine movement, coordination, competition and social connection all in one.”
It is precisely at this point that the name of pickleball comes up, a sport that mixes tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and which is notable for the positive atmosphere surrounding its practice. “You can’t help but meet people when you step onto the pickleball court. It’s regular. It’s something you can do every day. It’s something that’s available to almost anyone for very little money,” he explains.
That’s why he focuses on human relationships, not just strength or the amount of exercise. “People who are more likely to live longer don’t just exercise more. They’re building friendships, community, and joy through movement they actually look forward to,” he says. And no one doubts his word, as one of the leading researchers of the longevity enigma.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.