Ideas change everything

The secret to living longer may be your social life

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Susan Pinker |

TED2017

• April 2017

The Italian island of Sardinia has more than six times as many centenarians as the mainland and ten times as many as North America. Why? According to psychologist Susan Pinker, it's not a sunny disposition or a low-fat, gluten-free diet that keeps the islanders healthy -- it's their emphasis on close personal relationships and face-to-face interactions. Learn more about super longevity as Pinker explains what it takes to live to 100 and beyond.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

The Italian island of Sardinia has more than six times as many centenarians as the mainland and ten times as many as North America. Why? According to psychologist Susan Pinker, it's not a sunny disposition or a low-fat, gluten-free diet that keeps the islanders healthy -- it's their emphasis on close personal relationships and face-to-face interactions. Learn more about super longevity as Pinker explains what it takes to live to 100 and beyond.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

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About the speaker

Developmental psychologist

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Susan Pinker reveals how in-person social interactions are not only necessary for human happiness but also could be a key to health and longevity.

Learn more

The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter

Susan Pinker | Penguin Random House (2015)

Susan Pinker - *The Village Effect: How Face-to-Face Contact Can Make Us Healthier, Happier, and Smarter*

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.