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: Step into Fall  

Wednesday, October 29 
3 – 3:45 p.m. 
Hopkins Wilderness Park, 1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Step into fall with intention! Join BCHD for a mindful walk in nature and nourish your connections with your neighbors and community.  

Walking together in nature can help reduce stress, diminish feelings of loneliness and increase your well-being.  

*Space is limited. Reserve your spot now by visiting the link below.  

Moai Social Event: Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Saturday Sweep  

Saturday, December 6 
9 – 11 a.m.  
Esplanade at Avenue I, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Beach Cities Health District, in collaboration with Keep the Esplanade Beautiful, invites you to join us in helping preserve our beautiful South Bay Coast while connecting with your friendly neighborhood community.   

• What to Bring: Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), water and snacks if you’d like. 

• Suggested Attire: Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, along with sturdy, closed-toe shoes. 

• Provided for You: Keep the Esplanade Beautiful will supply trash grabbers, bags and gloves for all participants. 

About Keep the Esplanade Beautiful: Established in 2013, Keep the Esplanade Beautiful is committed to maintaining the beautiful quality of life we share in the South Bay beach communities. We educate and advocate on behalf of our Esplanade by hosting monthly 1st Saturday trash sweeps so that it remains clean, community-oriented and well cared for.  

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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