Avocado, prawn and passion fruit salad and preserved in duck fat

I recently heard a story about a local man who had gone hiking in the forest. It was an unusually warm spring day, and he began to feel a little light-headed. He decided to sit down on a log and call his son.

By the time his son arrived, the man was feeling better and had already set off walking again. When his son finally caught up with him, he promptly read him the riot act, asking why he’d called for help if he was perfectly capable of finding his own way home.

The punchline? The hiker was 103, and his son was 82.

I can only hope that when I’m 103, I’m still out enjoying hikes, and that my son considers me fit enough to be told off.

This is a good reminder of the difference between lifespan and health span. This story is a wonderful example of the latter: not just living long, but living well. Studies suggest that southwest France ranks among the best regions in the country not only for life expectancy, but also for healthy aging, thanks to factors such as a good diet (rich in healthy duck fat in this area), regular physical activity, strong social connections, and a high-quality healthcare system.

Passion fruit is highly nutritious, and particularly rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It is also very anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants, all crucial for healthy aging!

Recipe for avocado, prawn and passion fruit salad (serves 4)

• 2 passion fruits, cut in half with juice and seeds set aside
• 150g cooked prawns
• 2 avocados, stoned and cut into pieces
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds to garnish

Arrange the halved and seeded empty passion fruit on a plate. Place the prawns and cut avocado in a bowl. Combine the olive oil, lemon, garlic, passion fruit juice, chives and seasoning and add to the bowl, mixing well. Fill the passion fruit shells with the mixture, and garnish with passion fruit and sesame seeds. Serve chilled!