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 ) - 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