Bridging Blocks | Blue Zones: Here in Bucks County? Can we make a difference?

There are places in the world where reaching 100 years old is not abnormal. Researchers have discovered the highest concentrations of centenarians are in five regions, including Europe, Latin America, the U.S. and Asia. Despite cultural differences and being a considerable distance apart, there are striking similarities among them all. 

In the United States, the life expectancy in 2023 was 78.4 years, according to a CDC report. Globally, the average life expectancy is 73.5 years, according to 2024 data from the United Nations.

Is Bucks County equipped to become a Blue Zone? What can we do to make a difference?  

This conversation is based on the 2025 Blue Zones Assessment, Readiness, and Feasibility Report by the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership and Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero.

Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero, Kimberly M. Permar, Executive Director of the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership (BCHIP), and Rosemary Wuenschel, Chief of Staff, are scheduled to attend.

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News

Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News

Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland.