How the Cities We Build, Help Build Us: Study Shows Built Environment Optimization is Linked to Increased Physical Movement and Overall Well-Being
Health is often assumed to be a personal responsibility. Something that’s viewed as an individual journey of maintaining health in the gym, building consistent healthy eating habits, or following strict routines. But what if the biggest influence on your daily activity had nothing to do with your motivation? What if the biggest factor that shapes your health is simply what’s outside your door and the streets that surround you? At Blue Zones, it has long been our belief that our environment shapes the people in it and their behaviors. Research confirms what’s been seen in the world’s longest-lived communities,…
Study Finds Urban Highways Can Weaken Social Connection in Cities
Highways are often seen as symbols of efficiency and connection, designed to move people quickly from one place to another. But a new study suggests that in many cities, highways may actually be doing the opposite when it comes to human relationships. Research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) finds that urban highways significantly reduce social connections between people who live nearby, especially within distances of less than five kilometers (or about three miles) from the highway. The study shows that while highways can help connect people across longer distances, they often act as physical…
New Research Confirms the Scientific Validity of Blue Zones Longevity Data
For over two decades, the blue zones have captured global attention for one simple reason: people in these places live longer, healthier lives. From the mountains of Sardinia, Italy, to the beaches of Nicoya, Costa Rica, the blue zones regions have inspired researchers, policymakers, and everyday people who are curious about what it really takes to age well. An Independent and Peer-Reviewed Study Now, new peer-reviewed research published in The Gerontologist adds important clarity and independent confirmation that the longevity data behind these regions is scientifically sound. The article, The Validity of Blue Zones Demography: A Response to Critiques,…
It Starts With a Seed: How a Grand Forks Garden is Growing Community, Culture, and Connection
In Grand Forks, North Dakota, a garden is quietly changing how people grow, gather, and connect. It began in spring 2025, when Mary Moroney-Fernandez—a multilingual educator at Winship Elementary and a student at the University of North Dakota—reached out to Blue Zones Project Grand Forks with a vision. Her idea was simple: build a community garden that would nourish more than just bodies. She wanted a space where immigrant and multilingual families could plant culturally meaningful foods, learn new skills, and spend time outside together. With the support of Blue Zones Project Grand Forks staff, the University of North…