What do a Guinness record-holder, National Geographic and the world’s healthiest people have in common?
It’s called Blue Zones and this is something you will want to read more about – it’s fascinating.
(Note: Throughout this article are many links to more information about the Blue Zone Project and the cities that have participated. At the end of this article are additional links to free resources available to help you build your own personal Blue Zone, even if you are not living in a Blue Zone Project community.)
Blue Zones are the five places in the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. Dan Buettner discovered them.
Dan is an extraordinary Renaissance man – an explorer, National Geographic Fellow, award-winning journalist, author and holder of three Guinness world records for endurance cycling.
Dan’s discovery of Blue Zones has evolved into the Blue Zones Project in the United States. When people live in healthier communities their choices for healthier living are right at hand – it can become second nature to opt for healthier choices. Blue Zones Project makes that possible through changes using a comprehensive set of solutions that have been designed to positively impact health care costs, production, and quality of life.
What does that mean – comprehensive solutions? It means that healthier living isn’t found just in your kitchen or at the gym, but in all of the places where we spend most of our time. Places such as schools, restaurants, our houses of worship, employers and universities.
Through the research of Dan Buettner and others, nine lifestyle habits that contribute to living a longer life were identified. They were dubbed the Power 9®.
The Blue Zones Project has been underway since 2009, with Albert Lea, MN as the first Blue Zone Project. The Power of 9® principles were applied and, within one year, participants showed an increased lifespan (adding 2.9 years) and a drop in healthcare claims (based on city worker claims). Clearly, something was going right.
Each project is sponsored through public support and private funding. Click on the map at the beginning of this article to read more about the Blue Zone Project in your state.
Solutions introduced by the Blue Zone Project® include improved street and park designs, changes in public policy, improving access to bike lanes, public parks, safe walking paths, to name a few. Residents have access to tools and resources to help improve their eating habits, stop smoking and become more naturally active.
The results: According to Sharecare.com, Certified Blue Zones Worksites have healthier employees with higher well-being who are more productive and less costly. Certified Blue Zones Universities have healthier students with higher well-being who are more engaged and have greater long-term life satisfaction.
Even if your community is not involved in a Blue Zone Project you can benefit. Click on the following links to take you to free resources available from BlueZones.com.
To read articles about aging, longevity, and quality of life, click here.
Take the Blue Zones® Test here to receive a customized list of recommendations to a longer life.
Click here for healthy recipes.
Sign up for a Blue Zones newsletter here, or scroll to the bottom of any page on the Blue Zones website.
If you have a question, comment or idea for an article, email us at [email protected].
