Commonwealth Club of California Podcast Ken Stern: The Secret to an Enduring and Thriving Life
Nov 26, 2025
Ken Stern is a longevity expert, founder of the Longevity Project, and former NPR CEO with a passion for healthy aging. He reveals that the secret to living a vibrant life lies in social connections rather than just diet and exercise. Highlighting examples from countries like Singapore and Italy, Stern discusses the power of intergenerational ties and active engagement. He critiques U.S. policies and emphasizes the need for a mindset shift towards valuing social health to improve life in later years. Expect captivating stories and actionable insights for thriving at any age!
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Social Connection Explains Outlier Longevity
- Social connection repeatedly explained outlier communities' strong health and longevity outcomes across multiple US locales Ken studied.
- Ken Stern concluded social health often explains better life expectancy than healthcare or wealth alone.
Loneliness Harms Biology And Behavior
- Chronic loneliness triggers inflammation and cortisol that accelerate disease and cellular aging.
- Biological and behavioral pathways both link social isolation to worse physical and mental health.
Singapore's Engineered Intergenerational Housing
- In Singapore public housing policy deliberately promotes multigenerational proximity and intergenerational neighborhoods.
- The government pairs housing rules, lifelong learning, and work opportunities to keep older adults active and connected.
