Wellness event showcases ways to boost lifespan, fight disease

The recent HEAT International Congress on Wellness Management 2025 focused on the theme of “Blue Zone Wellness,’ with an emphasis on health-span, longevity, and wellness. Such concepts were introduced by Asst Prof Dr Patana Teng-umnuay, CEO of Health Education & Academics Thailand (HEAT), at the event.

- JUTAMAS TADTHIEMROM

Inspired by global “Blue Zones” like Okinawa and Sardinia, the congress examined how regular activity, low stress, social bonds, and whole food diets promote longevity and vitality. Many in these regions live past the age of 100 in good health.

Conversely, “Red Zone” populations face obesity, chronic disease, and poor lifestyles. The congress urged a shift from pharmaceutical reliance to holistic, integrative approaches, developing medical interventions to help both healthy and ill individuals achieve Blue Zone-level wellness without depending solely on medication.

Dr Patana stated that elders who rely less on medication tend to enjoy longer health spans. He pointed out that Thailand ranks among the countries with the highest rates of kidney disease, largely due to long-term drug use and poor dietary habits.

During the event, several new medical interventions were introduced, and their potential benefits and side effects were discussed in depth.