Wednesday, April 10, 5:00pm - 7:00pm (EDT)
GLOBAL LONGEVITY: HOW FINDINGS FROM BLUE ZONES HAVE
SHAPED OUR KNOWLEDGE ON THE KEYS TO LIVING LONGER
MICHEL POULAIN, PHD
Professor Emeritus
Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium)
Speaker Bio: Michel Poulain, PhD, is a world expert in studies of longevity. He received his PhD in demography from Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgium) and is now a professor emeritus at the same institution, in addition to his role as a senior researcher at the Estonian Institute for Population Studies at Tallinn University (Estonia). Dr. Poulain has been involved in centenarian studies since 1992 and is an active member of the International Database on Longevity (IDL) and the International Centenarian Consortium (ICC). Prior to his work on longevity, he studied astrophysics at the University of Liège (Belgium). He introduced the concept of Longevity Blue Zones - regions where the population experiences exceptional longevity and includes a large number of centenarians. To date, he is credited with having identified 5 Blue Zones, including those in Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and most recently Martinique, in the French West Indies. Dr. Poulain has made significant contributions to scientific literature and has disseminated findings on the oldest olds to audiences around the globe.
Seminar Abstract: Dr. Poulain is a leader in the field of longevity research, and is credited for introducing the concept of Longevity Blue Zones. These Blue Zones were originally a demographic concept introduced in 2000, and a key initial challenge was to determine a means of validating the age of such centenarians. Once this was accomplished, subsequent research over the past two decades has examined potential factors that may contribute to the extreme longevity in these zones, including: genetic/epigenetic, lifestyle, socio-economic, and psychological factors. This talk will highlight population data that has provided insight to better understand characteristics and behavior that could be harnessed to increase longevity across other demographics. Seven principles have emerged from observations of living in a Blue Zone (move naturally, eat wisely, avoid stress and get plenty of sleep, keep strong family ties, stimulate strong community support, respect for the planet, and have a purpose in life) however, much research is still needed to unlock the secrets of longevity. Additionally, Dr. Poulain will share highlights from global Blue Zone scholars with an emphasis on lifestyle behaviors along with a discussion on the newly identified Martinique zone in the French West Indies. Attendees will be challenged to consider what lessons learned from investigating the determinants of Blue Zone longevity could be applied to improve health in our society.
You're going to "Research Seminar Series: Dr. Michel Poulain".
We've sent a confirmation email to your email address. Be sure to check your junk folder in case you haven't received the confirmation.
You're interested in "Research Seminar Series: Dr. Michel Poulain".
We've sent a confirmation email to your email address. Be sure to check your junk folder in case you haven't received the confirmation.
Thank you!
Your changes have been saved. Thanks for keeping us updated.
830 N. University Ave., Room 2500 (Kinesiology Building)
University of Michigan School of Kinesiology