Healthy to 100

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Ken Stern’s Healthy to 100 explores how deep, meaningful relationships—not diet or exercise alone—are the most powerful predictors of long life and well-being. Amazon.com: Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives: 9781541705012: Stern, Ken: Books

In Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, Ken Stern investigates the science and stories behind longevity, arguing that social connection is the single most important factor in living a long, healthy life. Drawing on global research—from Okinawa’s centenarians to Harvard’s 85-year longitudinal study—Stern shows that people with strong, supportive relationships are not only happier but also physically healthier, with lower rates of heart disease, dementia, and depression.

He challenges the conventional focus on individual health habits, suggesting that community, friendship, and purpose are more potent than kale or cardio. Stern also examines how modern society—marked by isolation, digital distraction, and declining civic engagement—undermines these protective social bonds. The book offers practical strategies for cultivating deeper relationships, building community, and designing environments that foster connection.

Ultimately, Healthy to 100 is both a wake-up call and a hopeful guide, urging readers to prioritize human connection as a cornerstone of health. Stern’s message is clear: if you want to live longer, invest in people—not just in your body.