Q-MoB Blue Zones Longevity Book Club (Pittsfield, MA)

In this Book Club we study the famous book Blue Zones: Secrets for Living Longer that outlines 8 strategies used by people in pockets around the world (the Blue Zones) where record numbers of healthy people live to be over 100. While many of these strategies are common sense most have been forgotten in our increasingly distracted and busy lives.

The 8 Strategies:

1. Plant Slant: Prioritizing a diet rich in plants like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains with minimal red meat consumption.
2. Move Naturally: Incorporating movement throughout the day through activities like walking, gardening, and taking the stairs instead of relying solely on structured exercise.
3. Purpose: Having a clear sense of purpose or "Ikigai" in life, which can be a career, passion, or community involvement.
4. Belong: Cultivating strong social connections within a community, including friends and family.
5. Downshift: Implementing stress management techniques to actively reduce stress levels.
6. 80% Rule: Practicing mindful eating by stopping when you are about 80% full.
7. Loved Ones First: Prioritizing close relationships with family and friends.
8. Community: Actively participating in social groups and activities within your community.

"What began as a National Geographic expedition, lead by Dan Buettner, to uncover the secrets of longevity, evolved into the discovery of the 5 places around the world where people consistently live over 100 years old, dubbed the Blue Zones. Dan and his team of demographers, scientist and anthropologists were able to distill the evidence-based common denominators of these Blue Zones into 9 commonalities that they call the Power 9. They have since taken these principles into communities across the United States working with policy makers, local businesses, schools and individuals to shape the environments of the Blue Zones Project Communities. What has been found is that putting the responsibility of curating a healthy environment on an individual does not work, but through policy and environmental changes the Blue Zones Project Communities have been able to increase life expectancy, reduce obesity and make the healthy choice the easy choice for millions of Americans."
-- Summary of Review of Studies about the Blue Zones

WHAT TO BRING:

1) $10-$20 donation online, cash, or check made out to "BSCC" to suppot Q-MoB's efforts to foster community, wellness, & fun for rural queer men throughout the 8 counties in 4 states that make up the Greater Berkshires, unless you are already a Q-MoB Monthly Donor Member or this is your first time ever at a Q-MoB activity (your 1st time is always free).

2) Your Copy of the Blue Zones Book

3) Your Calendar & a Notebook\

4) Your experience in implementing the strategy we studied in the last session

5) Your questions, concerns, and ideas for implementing the strategies we are studying in this session

6) healthy Snacks &/or beverages to share with participants.

PARKING TIPS:

Because Hot Plate Brewing is located in the heart of Downtown Pittsfield, we do not have a dedicated parking lot, but there are parking spaces along North, School and Allen Streets, as well as municipal parking conveniently located within walking distance of our brewery and taproom.

On the map, you can see the municipal parking lots that are closest to Hot Plate. Parking is free after 4pm on weekdays and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays.

CARPOOLING/RIDE-SHARE: Carpooling is a great way to get to know other men, save money on gas, and help to reduce your carbon footprint and save the planet. If you need a ride or are open to carpooling, please indicate that when you are registering, & our ride coordinator will try to match you with people nearby who are interested in carpooling or offering rides.

OR : Please donate $10-$20 to help assure Q-MoB can continue to offer more than 20 activities & multiple resources & services to rural queer men all over the region. If you attend 2 or more Q-MoB events/month, please consider becoming a monthly sustaining donor member. By donating $25, $50, $75, or $100/month you can help to sustain the incredible variety of activities, services, and resources Q-MoB provides and assure all of these activities are accessible to men regardless of their age, income, or ability, and best of all you can avoid having to donate at each and every event you attend. Monthly Sustaining Members pay only once a month and then can attend all our activities with no further donation.

HOW TO REACH US THE DAY OF THE EVENT: If on the day of the event you need to cancel or be late or have trouble finding the group, please call/text the Host Bart at 503-734-6508

Host or Publisher Q-MoB (Queer Men of the Berkshires)