Moai Social Groups

Blue Zones Project® and Beach Cities Health District encourage social connection. A Moai® (pronounced “Mo-Eye”) is a group of people meeting for a common purpose and can include activities like walking, purpose discussions and potluck meals. The world’s longest-lived people chose–or were born into–social circles that supported healthy behaviors, including Okinawans, who created “Moais”–groups of five friends that committed to each other for life. Research from the Framingham Studies shows that smoking, obesity, happiness, and even loneliness are contagious. So, the social networks of long-lived people have favorably shaped their health behaviors. Based on this tradition, Moai groups are considered just as important to a person’s health as the benefits of being active, healthy eating, and finding a purpose. 

Moai Social Events 

Get to know your neighbors and neighborhoods  

Join us at an upcoming Moai Social Event where you can connect with your community and try out new activities. These events are inspired by our Blue Zones Project® Moais (pronounced “Mo-eye”), social groups that can become a lifelong support network, and they begin with people coming together who share a common purpose or healthy hobby. 

In 2023, the Gallup Well-Being Index results showed nearly 1 in 5 Beach Cities residents reported having little or no connection to other people. Join us as we partner with local organizations to promote events that help us explore something new and connect with others in the community. 

Moai Social Event: Kindness Campfire

Do you want to feel a part of something bigger? Want to make a real positive difference in the world and aren’t sure where to start? We’ve got just the idea for you—A Kindness Moai!

In 60 minutes, we will ground ourselves in our intention to create a kinder and healthier world for all through sharing self-reflections and stories of kindness—anything you’ve done, experienced or seen in the last month. We’ll close with a brief takeaway and call to action in the month ahead.

Originally started by three lifelong friends from three different fields (Medicine, Diplomacy, and Business) who saw a way to create positive connections and uplift the world one act of kindness at a time. This program has had participants from over 20 countries. Here’s an example of the impact: 

“No matter what I’m thinking, when the hour starts, I feel better about the world when it ends, a feeling that carries throughout the day and beyond.”

Meeting Details:

Date: Thursday, June 5th

Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Beach Cities Café (514 N Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277)

Types of Moais 

Walking Moai 
Walking Moais meet once or twice a week and walk together for at least 30 minutes. In the past year, nearly 140 local Walking Moai groups have brought together more than 1,750 people in the Beach Cities, turning strangers into friends. 

Potluck Moai 
Potluck Moais meet once a month and explore new recipes with a “Plant Slant,” dishes focused on vegetables, fruits and plant-based proteins. Vegans, vegetarians, or those simply looking to eat healthier are all welcome. 

Purpose Moai 
Purpose Moais meet once a week for 10 weeks to talk about how each member can live their purpose in everyday life. Discover your life’s purpose surrounded by a supportive, encouraging group. 

Click here to download the image below.

Why I Joined a Moai

“I joined a Walking Moai in April of 2011 and have been walking ever since. I’m sure my health has improved as a result of walking at least sixteen miles per week. However, what has been even more important is the fact that my wife and I have met a group of great people who also walk with our Moai, the Ocean Walkers. We not only walk together, but we also enjoy each other’s company socially. When I walk with our partners in the Moai, it’s so much more interesting to find out what our friends did on the weekend or what movies they saw, or to meet their sons or daughters who occasionally join us.” – Irwin Brand, Walking Moai participant

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