Trying to live longer in Morrison County: Residents think Blue Zones

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Blue Zones were identified by a team led by Dan Buettner as pockets around the world where people are living significantly longer than most areas of the world. "We found people who reach age 100 at 10 times greater than in the United States, where people suffer a fraction of the rate of heart disease and cancer than we do and where people are getting the extra 10 years that we're missing," said Buettner.

Buettner has identified nine behaviors common to people in all of the Blue Zones. The Vitality Project, an outreach program developed from research in the Blue Zones and sponsored by AARP and the United Health Foundation, is taking this information to interested communities.

Bob Graham, who has been involved in that effort in Albert Lea, came to Pierz and Little Falls recently, and as a result, 20 Morrison County residents are considering how they can get involved. Since a few folks from Todd County also attended Graham's presentation in Little Falls, there may be developments here, too.

The nine Blue Zones behaviors include: move, know your purpose in life, down shift, the 80 percent rule (stop eating when you're 80 percent full), plant power (eat more vegetables), red wine, belong to a healthy social network, beliefs, your tribe (make family a priority).

Albert Lea was chosen in 2008 as the first pilot city in the world to collectively try to live longer and better by applying the nine behaviors. According to The Vitality Project 2009 , restaurants in Albert Lea changed their menus to offer more healthy choices. Schools implemented seven wellness policy changes to reduce snack foods and increase activity. Businesses changed their environment and policies to encourage healthier behaviors. Volunteers planted 70 community garden plots. Biking and hiking paths were connected throughout the community to encourage more walking social groups called Walking Moais. Kids also walked more with a project called a Walking School Bus in which the kids walked the last mile to school every day under the supervision of parent and senior volunteers.

Graham, Albert Lea's community development director, offered additional tips at the Pierz and Little Falls gatherings: make good foods visible in the refrigerator, don't eat family style which encourages over-eating (dish up a plate in the kitchen and dine in the dining room), change social networks to associate with other like-minded health enthusiasts, make your community convenient for walking.

Participants in Albert Lea lost an average of three pounds each, employers reported a 21 percent drop in absenteeism, and city employees experienced a 49 percent decrease in health care costs.

While folks in the Blue Zones naturally live a healthy lifestyle that results in long lives, the Vitality Project believes that anyone can make the necessary changes to lead a Blue Zone life.

The Morrison County residents have formed a task force that is considering whether to bring the Blue Zones challenge to their community.

Here's a message from the Blue Zone team. If you're interested in what's happening in the Blue Zones, those long-lived pockets around the world, check out Buettner's excellent talk about the Blue Zone lifestyle. You can sign up for updates, too.

"Dan Buettner was invited to participate in the prestigious TED speaker series this past year. CNN found his presentation so valuable, they've showcased it on their web site, along with an essay by Dan.

"You can view the presentation at this link.

"If you are interested in booking Dan for your next professional event, please contact Amy Tomczyk at amy@bluezones.com."

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