Healthy Living Programs
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, Okinawans 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.

View the Virtual Moai Social Events Playlist
Increase your well-being with these recorded presentations to learn about various topics.


Join us for Moai Open House Week: March 17 -22

Fostering deeper social connections can support our health and wellness. During our Moai Open House Week, Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) invites the community to try out a new activity and meet new people by participating in our Moai social groups that get together regularly for walks, potlucks and conversations. Pre-registration is required. Moai Ambassadors will confirm your attendance and send you event details after you register. VIEW FLYER

REGISTER HERE


Join our newest Moai: Community Veg-Out Potluck Group

Bring a homemade vegetarian dish so we can veg-out together!

Description: 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. This is your opportunity to showcase your cooking skills, exchange your savviest tips for making vegetarian dishes delicious, and make new friends.

Tuesday, April 9 from 5 - 7 p,m.
514 N. Prospect Ave, Beach Cities Café, 1st Floor, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Make a new friend, the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. 

REGISTER HERE

If you have additional questions or comments, please contact Jackie Uy at Jackie.Uy@bchd.org.


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.

Upcoming Events

April 6: Keep the Esplanade Beautiful Beach Clean-Up

In collaboration with Keep the Esplanade Beautiful, we invite you to join us in helping preserve our beautiful South Bay Coast while connecting with your friendly neighborhood community.

Join us from 9 – 11 a.m. at Sacks on The Beach in Riviera Village (1611 S. Catalina Ave #120, Redondo Beach, CA 90277). Trash pickup supplies will be provided. We recommend you bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes 
  • Clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet
  • Water and snacks
  • Sunscreen

REGISTER HERE

April 30: Plant and Potluck

Wilderness Park Workdays prepare Wilderness Park for the planting season this fall! Join South Bay Parkland Conservancy and BCHD in maintaining, watering and weeding at the park. Gloves and tools are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own. We recommend you bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes (boots preferred)
  • Clothes that you do not mind getting dirty or wet
  • Water and snacks
  • Sunscreen

Afterwards, we will host a vegetarian potluck where you can chat and share your favorite healthy recipes with other volunteers. We recommend bringing a dish that does not need to be refrigerated and comes in a reusable container to reduce waste. Reusable serving utensils will be provided for attendees in addition to compostable utensils and plates.

Join us from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Hopkins Wilderness Park (1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).

Space is limited. 

REGISTER HERE

May 20: Wilderness Walk

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are partnering with South Bay Parkland Conservancy to highlight the health benefits of nature by inviting community members to embark on a Wilderness Walk!

Meet us at 10 a.m. when the park opens to nourish your connection with your neighbors and your community. Hopkins Wilderness Park (1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277).

Your participation can reduce stress, diminish feelings of loneliness and increase your well-being.  Space is limited. 

REGISTER HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Uy at Jackie.Uy@bchd.org.


Join a Moai

View Full Moai List Best Practices to Keep Your Moai Safe

Start a Moai

Register Your Moai

Learn How to Start Your Moai

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.

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 enjoy each others' 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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