Communities & Cities
Using secrets discovered in the original blue zones—rare longevity hotspots around the world where people are thriving into their 100s—we help communities redesign their environments so healthy choices are easier. Our proven transformation programs lower healthcare costs, strengthen population well-being, and create more vibrant places to live, work, and play.
Our Approach
Drive Lasting Change
From small rural towns to large diverse cities— and even entire states — Blue Zones transformations are proven models for improving population health at any scale.
Rooted in years of international anthropological and demographic research and data-driven results, our world-renowned experts and solutions transform communities, implementing sustainable change.
We work with communities to strengthen food systems and the built environment so healthy choices are easier and more accessible.
Our approach combines multi-level, evidence-based strategies that reach people where they live, work, learn, gather, and play.
We identify ZIP-code-level health disparities across physical, social, financial, community, and career well-being. These disparities can be reduced through community-wide initiatives that unite policy and local action. In 80+ communities, our science-based approach has improved healthy behaviors and reduced smoking, obesity, and loneliness.
Blue Zones Projects are built with communities, not done to them. We hire locally, host design charrettes, and dedicate staff to engagement—listening, learning, and collaborating with residents and leaders.
Life Radius
In our work building healthier, more resilient communities, we focus on a “life radius,” or the area close to home where we spend 90% of our lives. In a full Blue Zones community transformation, we optimize:
- The built environment: Improving roads and transportation options, parks, and public spaces
- Municipal policies and ordinances: Promoting activity and discouraging junk food marketing and smoking
- Restaurants, schools, grocery stores, faith-based organizations, and workplaces: Building healthier options into the places people spend most of their time
- Social networks: Forming and nurturing social groups that support healthy habits
- Habitat: Helping people design homes that nudge them into eating less and moving more
- Inner selves: Encouraging people to reduce stress, find their purpose, and give back to the community
Bring Blue Zones to Your Community
Get In TouchExplore Resources
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,…
Blue Zones Project Communities’ Overall Greater Well-Being Leads to Stronger Economies
While Blue Zones Projects are associated with improved health outcomes and quality of life for residents of participating communities,…
Cooking Up Community: How Blue Zones Project Tuolumne County is Redefining Food Education with Mobile Kitchens
In California’s Tuolumne County, a new kind of classroom is rolling in, one that teaches with cutting boards instead…
How Blue Zones Project Monterey County in Salinas, CA is Lowering Healthcare Costs, Improving Productivity, and Improving the Quality of Life for All Residents
“Salinas, a majority-minority city with a rich cultural heritage, has set a new standard for creating a culture of…
