Like many assisted and independent living communities around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges for College Walk in Brevard, North Carolina. How could the organization keep its residents—an aging population that is susceptible to loneliness and isolation during a “normal” year—safely connected to others while physically distancing?

 

One answer came in the form of Blue Zones Project Walking Moais^®.

 

The term “moai” (pronounced mow-eye) comes from the blue zones region of Okinawa, Japan. It means “meeting for a common purpose,” and originated as a way for villagers to support each other in times of need. Based on this tradition, Moai Walking Groups provide social interaction and support that are just as important to a person’s overall well-being as the benefits of walking.

 

A typical Walking Moai has between five and eight members, but College Walk worked with the Blue Zones Project – Brevard team to organize smaller groups to mitigate risk of virus spread. Residents have widely embraced the Moai program during the pandemic, with at least 44 individuals joining friends—old and new—to enjoy fresh air and natural movement.