‘Longevity Diaries’ watch parties scheduled

What’s the secret to a longer more fulfilling life?

Filmmaker Chris Kondo, a member of the Emeriti and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSU Fullerton, explores that question in “The Longevity Diaries: About Aging Gracefully,” now available on YouTube.

The 25-minute documentary features Camarillo Health Care District CEO Blair Barker (in her former role as Care Services Director) alongside gerontology experts from CSU Fullerton and CSU Long Beach. Focusing on five remarkable individuals, ages 81 to 103, the film examines the habits and mindsets that promote living long and living well.

The District will host two watch parties with a conversation facilitated by Barker:

Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

March 4, from 10 – 11 a.m.

The film highlights key elements of longevity: adaptability, stress management, healthy diet, regular exercise, friendship, and lifelong learning.

“Education plays a role in successful aging in several different ways,” Laura Zettel-Watson, professor of psychology at CSU-Fullerton, says in the film. “Continued curiosity and learning keep us mentally engaged and resilient as we age.”

Desiree Engel, who at the time was 103, and Dorothy Heide, who at the time was 91, share their secrets – positivity, balance training and purposeful living.

“Diet and exercise are absolutely pivotal pieces of the puzzle of aging well,” said Maria Carpiac, professor of gerontology at CSU-Long Beach.

In the documentary, Barker emphasizes the power of relationships: “When families and friends are supportive and connected, we see that positively impacts our ability to age well,” she said. “Our chosen family – our tribe – helps us feel part of something bigger.”

Experts agree that while genetics plays a role, lifestyle choices have great impact. How we eat, move, connect and care for ourselves is crucial. It’s not just about how long we live, but how well we live.  It’s up to us individually to recognize our own journey in aging – to find purpose – in order to live our best lives.

To reserve a seat at the Camarillo watch party, call 805-388-1952. Cost is $10.

NEED TO KNOW

Contributors to living a longer life are a healthy diet, regular physical activity and good lifestyle choices.

Healthy diet: An excellent diet for promoting longevity is a plant-based diet such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, legumes and fish, and minimizes red and processed meat.

Regular physical activity: A multitude of studies show that physical activity contributes to greater longevity.

Recommended:

• 150 minutes a week of moderate activity, including walking, weightlifting and lower-intensity exercises, or
• 75 minutes a week of vigorous movement, including running, bicycling and swimming, or
• an equivalent combination of both intensities. (Even household tasks like cleaning and gardening count as exercise.)

Other lifestyle choices that contribute to longevity: In addition to healthy eating and being more active, longevity and better quality of life can be achieved by not smoking, limiting alcohol, getting enough quality sleep, staying hydrated, socialization and thinking positively.