My Experience with the Blue Zones Challenge
Anderson Torres, PhD, LCSW-R
President and CEO, R.A.I.N.
Participating in the Blue Zones Challenge with CaringKind and members of my Older Adult Centers was an eye-opening and truly rewarding experience. Being part of the Blue Zone Diet pilot allowed me to explore evidence-based practices from cultures around the world—places where people not only live longer but thrive with better nutrition, movement, and community support.
What stood out most was the cultural relevancy of these lessons. We didn’t just follow a generic health plan; we explored how different traditions—Mediterranean meals rich in whole grains and olive oil, Okinawan practices of mindful eating, and Latin American approaches to fresh, seasonal produce—can be adapted in ways that feel familiar and respectful to our own local backgrounds. This cross-cultural learning felt authentic, not forced, and made the experience deeply meaningful and organic.
As older adults, we discovered that we can still learn from the wisdom of other cultures and incorporate those values into our daily lives. Sharing meals, trying new plant-forward recipes, and understanding the cultural stories behind them created a sense of belonging and inspiration. It was also great that we were able to gauge the process in our own pace.
I am grateful to have been part of a program that proves learning from others—while honoring cultural roots—can spark meaningful change in our own health and well-being. I also look forward to another opportunity to impact change with nutrition at the forefront.
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