Welcome to “Longevity Tips” a monthly publication designed to take you off the path of confusing messages, trends and hacks and onto the path of ancient wisdom and the best of science.
When we think of living a long, healthy life, our minds jump to diet and exercise. We imagine a perfect plate of food or a rigorous workout routine, or both.
But what if one of the most powerful keys to longevity isn’t found in a gym or a grocery market, but in the social connections we build. There seems to never be a better time to think about his powerful pillar of longevity than now.
During my decade-long visits to 20 small villages where populations live long purposeful lives, I discovered something truly astounding: the profound connection of social networks and longevity.
The small villages I visited weren’t just communities; they are intricate webs of support where no one is ever truly alone. These social networks, in many ways, protect and nurtures people throughout their lives.
For those of us in the industrialized world, that level of innate social connection is rare. We’ve moved away from the close-knit villages of the past, and the isolation we experienced during the pandemic highlighted just how detrimental a lack of connection can be to our health.
One thing for sure, we’ve learned human beings are not meant to be isolated. Isolation is a negative force that chips away at our well-being.
This is why a social network, or as I call it, your “tribe” is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a critical component of living a full and healthy life.
Your tribe is a group of like-minded people who understand you, support you, and share your interests. They are the people you can spend time with, whether it’s through an active hobby or just a quiet conversation.
Populations in small villages are born into their tribe, but we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to find and cultivate our own. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where understanding ourselves and what we need allows us to seek out the connections that will truly matter.
How To Find and Build Your “Tribe”
The good news is that while we may not have the built-in social structures of a longevity village in the south of Italy, we have a unique opportunity to build our own.
The short answer for how to build your tribe is this; Start by looking inward.
Ask yourself: What brings me joy? What activities energize me? For the populations living in small villages, for example, their daily lives—gardening, walking to the market—created natural opportunities for social interaction. We can learn from this by seeking out activities that are meaningful to us.
If you love to garden, join a community garden. If you enjoy hiking or walking, find a local walking or hiking club.
If you’re passionate about a specific cause, volunteer for an organization that aligns with your values. These are all natural environments to meet people who share your interests and beliefs.
The goal isn’t just to accumulate a large number of acquaintances. It’s to find like-minded people with whom you can be authentically yourself.
The connections that contribute to longevity are those where you feel safe, valued, and understood. The key is to be an active participant, not a passive observer. This means showing up, engaging in conversation, and being open to new relationships.
Finding your tribe isn’t about excluding others, but rather about creating a foundation for support.
It’s about recognizing as we move through life, especially in a society where families may not live close by, we need to intentionally build relationships that fill the role once held by a village community.
By actively seeking out and nurturing these connections, we can create a network as important to our lifespan and healthspan as diet and movement.
If you want to live the lifestyle of longevity and experience it firsthand, consider joining us for a rare and unique opportunity on the spring 2026 “Authentic Italy” lifestyle excursion.
You will not only meet a small group of amazing like minded people, but you will enjoy the stunning beauty, history, culture, food, and return home with new perspecitves on a life well lived.
An excursion like this allows you to experience Italy as a traveler, not a tourist!
The spring excursion filled quickly, and we’ve been able to add 4 more openings. All details are here in the itinerary. If interested send a reply to this email and I’ll get back to you.
Enjoy a few photos (below) that I took on the exact trip last spring. It’s truly unbelievable!
Finally, let’s start a revolution of kindness and connection and make a difference in the lives of others and our own. It’s all part of longevity.
To Your Health and Longevity,
Carol Amendola D’Anca
Master of Clinical Nutrition
Host of “Authentic Italy” Lifestyle Immersions
Olive Oil Aficionado
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