Dr. Sara Shuger Fox is a Professor of Kinesiology at Central College in Pella, Iowa, with a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on the relationship between nutrition, physical activity, chronic disease prevention, and healthy aging.
She has extensive experience investigating the dietary and lifestyle patterns associated with longevity in the world’s Blue Zones, including Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; and the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. Through international field research, community-based studies, and collaborations with WesleyLife, she explores how nutrition, movement, and broader lifestyle factors may contribute to healthspan and quality of life. Her research includes work on dietary interventions, cardiovascular health, diabetes, and dementia-related outcomes, with a particular interest in how nutrition influences long-term health.
Sara integrates scientific evidence with practical strategies to promote well-being across the lifespan. Her teaching and community outreach address nutrition, healthy aging, brain health, and the role of dietary patterns in disease prevention. Her work with older adult communities and prospective studies examining longevity and health reflects a commitment to improving public health through accessible, evidence-informed approaches. She is also interested in the role of dietary strategies in women’s health, particularly during and after menopause, and in the public health challenges associated with aging populations. By connecting epidemiological research, nutrition science, and real-world community engagement, Sara seeks to translate research into meaningful strategies that support healthy aging, independence, and quality of life.
Sara has been visiting Villasalto since 2024 to conduct research on longevity and Sardinia’s Blue Zone. In July 2026, she returned with a group of 9 university students to Sa Buttega, where they had the opportunity to learn more about the traditions, daily routines, and lifestyle habits of local residents aged 80 and older—insights that shed light on the factors contributing to longevity in the region.
