6 Blue Zones Project Communities Fostering Human Connection and Healthier Habits with Moai Social Groups

While it would seem that most of us are connected to our friends and social networks constantly through messages, chats, and social media platforms, more than half of American adults report feeling isolated, left out, or lacking companionship. At a time when divisiveness fuels online debates and comments sections can be heated, more and more people are seeking real, in-person, and emotional connections. In a recent survey of 3,000 adults, conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), nearly seven in 10 (69%) said they needed more emotional support in the past year than they received—an increase from 65% in 2024. What better way to support both your emotional and social health than with others?

Over the past 17 years, Blue Zones Project Moai® social groups across the country have taken root. These groups are formed around mutual interests and common goals. Walking Moais are the most popular groups, but there are Moais for other interests, such as reading, discovering one’s purpose, plant slant eating, and crafting. There is even a financial well-being Moai hosted by Blue Zones Project Jacksonville, in Florida. This group meets on the basis of learning financial literacy and being held accountable for their money management skills. The following other Blue Zones Projects have empowered their communities to form and maintain healthy habits.

 

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Walking The Walk, Rain or Shine

Participants of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale in Arizona are certain: their lives have forever been changed since the summer of 2024, after signing up for Blue Zones Project Scottsdale’s Walking Moai group in partnership with Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. A 10-week program that started with 30 people and grew to 130 as community members brought their loved ones along. This Moai was specially designed for locals seeking to stay active despite Arizona’s sweltering summer heat.

Project leaders, in partnership with the mall, granted walking group members indoor access to the facilities before opening to the public for its regular operating hours. This setup offered a cooler environment for participants to get their morning steps in.

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For those who decided to take a breather after their walk, Capital One Cafe provided a welcoming environment for community members to unwind and build fellowship with each other. Members were even gifted with free coffee cards each week. The program concluded in 2024, but was brought back in 2025 by popular demand.

After joining the Walking Moai in 2024, participants Barbara and Sabina became good friends and continued to keep in touch. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Barbara had difficulties staying active and maintaining healthy habits. She initially didn’t have plans to attend every group meeting due to scheduling conflicts, but managed to rearrange her calendar so that she could make it each week. She expressed gratitude for Sabrina’s accountability throughout the program, who committed to showing up despite working tiring 12-hour work shifts.

In California, members of Blue Zones Project Salinas have also made lasting connections that extended far beyond the 10 weeks of their initial Walking Moai meetings. Community member Guadalupe Lopez needed an outlet while processing grief, so he joined the local walking group for support. Friendships naturally blossomed for him during his time with the Moai, leading to natural improvements in his mental well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life—indirectly reducing his healthcare costs. “We do dances, monthly luncheons…Blue Zones Project is life-giving,” he shared. “It helps me get my head on straight, and it also inspires me with content for my work, because I write.”

Staying in Shape, One Step at a Time

In Washington state, members of Blue Zones Project Parkland-Spanaway are making serious progress with their weight-loss journeys. Berta Rivera, a 40-year resident of Parkland, always had challenges with weight management and has witnessed a decline in mobility over the past few years. She would have successful periods of weight loss, but would quickly gain it back.

After watching the Netflix docuseries, Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, she was motivated to resume her weight-loss journey. What propelled her even further was finding out about the Blue Zones Project in her area. During her dedicated pursuit to absorb as much Blue Zones wisdom as she could, she participated in a Blue Zones Project Walking Moai, a Purpose Workshop, and free plant-slant cooking classes. Her commitment to the process resulted in her losing 16 pounds in six weeks. The experience also strengthened her relationships and improved her mobility.

Jennifer Eastwood, a Petaluma, California, resident who joined her local Walking Moai in 2024, also made significant progress in her personal weight loss journey. She lost 119 pounds within a year, resulting in the reversal of her obesity diagnosis. Eastwood’s other wins included stronger muscle and bone density, along with better-managed stress and anxiety.

 

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Creating Healthier Teams Inside & Out

Blue Zones Project Yuba-Sutter has organized various Walking Moai groups with the simple intent of bringing people together, but its leaders and participants have benefited in many other ways. “A lot of our groups actually get out and connect on their walks, which allows them to talk about life, family, and have that community aspect while they’re getting their steps in— walking and challenging each other,” says Ashley Carr, Safety Specialist at Sunsweet Growers Inc. As for Mandi Nix, Executive Assistant at Yuba Water Agency, the Moais serve as a means to create a better work-life balance on the job, giving the office an excuse to step away from their desks periodically to get some fresh air. “It’s so important for your mental health,” Nix noted.

Dr. Luu, a Bi-County Health Officer for Yuba County Health & Human Services, shared that the Moai walks give her a chance to get more acquainted with her team—and vice versa. Doing it while on the move makes it even more worthwhile for her. “We are bound and born to move, so the Walking Moai really accomplishes that mission,” she says.

Whether they’re walking, chatting, crafting, reading, or cooking, building face-to-face connections with others who share the same interests and values can be good for your health—and good for the health of the entire community.

Johnaé De Felicis is the Founder of Awakened & Wealthy Consulting. She is an avid researcher who champions holistic wellness and conscious living, and she writes research articles, reviews, and think pieces in the areas of health, wellness, and travel/culture. Her published works have been featured on Forbes Health, Well+Good, Healthline, Therapy for Black Girls, and more.