World Renowned Explorer, National Geographic Writer, and Founder of Blue Zones
The 2025 Walter E. Dandy Orator: Dan Buettner will speak on Monday, October 13, during the General Scientific Session at the CNS Annual Meeting.
Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Explorer, Emmy Award-winning producer, and multiple New York Times bestselling author. He is renowned for identifying the five regions of the world—known as Blue Zones—where people live exceptionally long and healthy lives. His groundbreaking research and captivating articles in The New York Times Magazine and National Geographic have become some of the most widely read and influential pieces for both publications.
As the founder of Blue Zones LLC, Dan has worked with city governments, hospital systems, and insurance companies to transform communities by applying the longevity principles he uncovered in Blue Zones. Notably, in Fort Worth, Texas, obesity rates dropped by 3%, and the city projected $250 million in healthcare cost savings as a result of these initiatives. To date, over 70 cities across the United States have adopted Blue Zones Projects, collectively improving the health of more than 10 million Americans.
Most recently, Dan’s Netflix series, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, received six Emmy nominations and won three.
In addition to his work in longevity, Dan is an accomplished endurance athlete, holding three Guinness World Records in distance cycling.