Forest Bathing, Firepit, and a Few Extra Years

Caroline Blouin
Jul 1
2 min read

I’ve always been a little obsessed with longevity. Maybe it’s because I’m an actuary. Or maybe it’s just my natural curiosity — I love asking people, how long do you think you’ll live?

This weekend, my cousin came to visit with her partner — a doctor — and over coffee on the patio (with birdsong and frogs croaking in the background, naturally), I popped the question. “What do you think your life expectancy is?” He laughed. I guess he saw that one coming knowing both my husband and I are actuaries.

I told him something that surprises a lot of people: According to the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, most people underestimate their life expectancy by about four years. He raised an eyebrow, so I pulled out one of my favourite tools — the Blue Zones Vitality Quiz. It’s quick, fun, and based on lifestyle habits from the world’s longest-living populations. Sure enough, he was off by two years.

That sparked a great conversation about what really adds years to our lives — and life to our years.

Lately, I’ve been reading about forest bathing — the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or immersing yourself in nature. No sweat required. It’s not a hike or a workout — it’s just… being in the forest. Breathing it in. Listening. Wandering. Letting your nervous system settle.

And it turns out, this simple practice is incredibly good for us. Studies show forest bathing reduces stress hormones, improves sleep, boosts mood, and even strengthens the immune system.

No wonder we feel so wonderful here. At our home in Tremblant, we’re surrounded by trees. Forest in every direction. Our days start with coffee on the patio, and often end around the firepit watching the sun setting. It’s like forest bathing without even trying.

We built Alpine Rêverie to be a place where you can slow down, take a breath, and feel more alive. And maybe — just maybe — even live a little longer.

Curious about your own longevity? Try the Blue Zones quiz. Then go spend a little time in the trees. Your future self will thank you.