What does “the good life” really look like – and could it also lead to a longer one? Students studying abroad in Greece on the May Term program “Mediterranean Culture and the Good Life” explored these questions as they immersed themselves in Mediterranean traditions, habits and values on the small, quiet island of Ikaria. This interdisciplinary course integrates health science and psychology and was led by faculty members Elizabeth Abbey ’04 and Joelle Czirr ’06.
With less than 10,000 residents, Ikaria is designated as a “blue zone,” an area believed to have a high rate of longevity. Our students explored hypotheses about why its residents live longer on average than other populations and concluded that a slow pace of life that fosters community connections combined with daily movement and a plant-forward diet appeared to be the primary drivers.
By stepping into the daily rhythms of local Ikarians, students didn’t just study the “good life” – they lived it. And they returned home with practical insights and inspiration for creating healthier, more connected lives of their own.
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Worth a Look 