Dan Buettner

Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Fellow, journalist, producer, and New York Times bestselling author recognized for his research into human longevity, aging, and well-being. Buettner introduced the term "blue zones" during an exploratory project, leading a team from the University of Minnesota and the National Institute on Aging to identify five regions worldwide—Okinawa, Sardinia, the Nicoya Peninsula, Ikaria, and Loma Linda—where people experience notable longevity and quality of life. Prior to his work on longevity, Buettner held three Guinness World Records for distance cycling.

Buettner has authored several books on longevity and lifestyle, including "The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who've Lived the Longest," "Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way," "The Blue Zones Solution: Eating and Living Like the World's Healthiest People," and "The Blue Zones of Happiness." His book "The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes for Living to 100" combines scientific reporting, National Geographic photography, and recipes inspired by his research. Buettner's articles have appeared in The New York Times Magazine and National Geographic.

Buettner co-produced and hosted the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," bringing his research to a global audience. His TED Talk "How to live to be 100+" has garnered millions of views. He has appeared on The Today Show, Oprah, NBC Nightly News, and Good Morning America, and has delivered keynote speeches at TEDMED and Google Zeitgeist. He was recognized at the Davos World Economic Forum.

Buettner has also implemented his research in public health initiatives. He launched The Blue Zones City Makeovers, a preventive health care project in the United States that has impacted the health of millions. Buettner collaborates with municipal governments, employers, and health insurance companies to implement Blue Zones Projects in communities, workplaces, and universities, focusing on environmental, policy, and social network changes to improve well-being. Through his books, television work, and keynote presentations, Buettner provides audiences with science-based strategies for longevity and public health.