Connect & Community and my day at the Lumen Longevity Long Lunch Tour

Connection & Community...

These are often neglected/forgotten factors when it comes to longevity and disease prevention…

And yet, they play a significant role in our health.

 

Research shows that strong social connections can increase longevity by approximately 50%. Interestingly, chronic, long-term loneliness is associated with a 50% increase in premature death.

 

Now, as a UBER introvert (with extrovert tendencies) who also has a very, very limited social battery, this is obviously a cause of concern for me. A part of my longevity plan/protocol I struggle with is trying to find fun, enjoyable ways to connect with others, as it can be hard and exhausting at times.

As a society, with so many of us online and disconnected from real-life, in-person interactions, it enables us to be even more in our introvert bubbles, which is a cause for concern.

 

Social media and digital interaction often can't replace the health benefits that come from face-to-face connections.

 

Studies reveal that people who engage in meaningful social interactions tend to have lower stress levels, reduced inflammation, and better mental health, all of which are crucial for longevity.

 

 

Which is why I was absolutely thrilled to spend this Saturday at the Longevity Long Lunch organised by Katia Dowling at Lumen Longevity and hosted by the AMAZING biohacker and longevity nutritionist Camilla Thompson. 

 

Because I got to connect with so many like-minded people, surrounded by nature and delicious food, what better way to support my health?

 

I left the long lunch feeling energised, excited, connected, and grounded. This event was so needed—an event for celebration, connection, and KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION. Events like this are a perfect reminder of how important it is to foster human connections in a meaningful way, especially when it complements our health journeys.

 

As part of the long lunch, we got to visit two beautiful regenerative farms.

We learned about the importance of Regenerative Farming, not only for our environment but also for our nutrition.

 

 

 

Regenerative farming is a transformative approach to agriculture that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration, offering significant benefits for both nutrition and health.

By employing practices such as cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and integrating livestock, regenerative farming enhances soil microbial activity and organic matter, which directly improves the nutrient density of crops.

Studies show that regeneratively grown crops contain higher levels of essential vitamins (like B1, C, E, and K), minerals (such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc), and beneficial phytochemicals that reduce inflammation and support overall health.

 

Additionally, these crops are often lower in harmful elements like cadmium and sodium.

By producing more nutrient-dense food, regenerative farming not only promotes better public health outcomes but also addresses nutrient deficiencies while fostering sustainable food systems.

 

This is so important when we think about the long-term health impacts of our diets, and given the alarming statistic that we may only have around 60 years of topsoil left, this method of farming is more important than ever.Without healthy soil, the nutrient density of our food continues to decline, which not only impacts our health but the overall health of the planet.

Regenerative farming prioritises the health of our top soil (and unfortunately conventional farming doesn't).

 

My favourite thing in the world is shopping at farm gates and farmers markets, so I was in my element purchasing some beautiful homegrown produce (including the most delicious beef brisket I have ever eaten in my life).

 

Knowing that this food was grown sustainably, with practices that actually regenerate the earth rather than deplete it, made the experience even more rewarding.

 

 

After our tours, we headed to Bush River Kitchen, a beautiful outdoor restaurant created by the incredible chef John Ralley, where we got to experience a truly unforgettable meal. John, who is an avid and passionate hunter, served us some of the most delicious, locally sourced food I’ve ever tasted.

We enjoyed locally caught prawns (just down the road from John's place) and even locally caught crab that John had caught himself. One of the stand-out dishes was a venison carpaccio.

 

Now, I was a little skeptical at first, as I had never eaten venison before, but I have to say it was absolutely amazing and ended up being the highlight of the meal for me.

 

Along with the venison, we enjoyed fire-baked handmade sourdough, delicious oysters, and while the rest of the guests indulged in some pâté (which, for the life of me, I cannot stomach), I appreciated the diversity and care that went into crafting such a beautiful spread of local flavours.

 

Food always tastes better when you know exactly where it comes from, especially when it’s been prepared with so much care and intention.

Beyond the food and the farming, the day was a powerful reminder of how important it is to foster connection—not only with others but also with the earth and our food.

These are all intertwined elements of longevity that often go unnoticed.

 

 

In closing, this day was a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, connection, and nourishing both our bodies and our planet.

Whether it's through sharing a meal with like-minded people, supporting regenerative farming practices, or simply making time to foster meaningful connections, these experiences are vital parts of our longevity and health.

I left feeling grateful, grounded, and inspired to continue incorporating these elements into my own life—and I hope this inspires you too!

Let's remember that supporting our health isn't just about what we eat or do, but also about how we connect with the world and those around us.