by: Jeanne Cooper (San Francisco Chronicle)
In 2008, author Dan Buettner wrote “The Blue Zones,” a best-selling book that looks at the places around the world where people live the longest — and perhaps the happiest.
Among the keys to their longevity, he surmised, are exercising naturally, shedding stress, eating more plant-based food, drinking alcohol regularly in moderation, and having a sense of fellowship and purpose.
So when a national health care company adapted Buettner’s findings into a program of encouraging entire communities to create healthy change, labeling themselves “Blue Zones,” a handful of towns in Hawaii — which already had a track record for shedding stress, for natural cuisine and for an abundance of nature — signed on, including Waimea.
Though the project — now being used as a guide in 31 communities — is geared toward residents, the mind-set and developments related to the Blue Zones concept in Waimea — building on the cuisine, adding trails and encouraging projects that build community — benefit even those just staying for a night or two.
Read the complete story here.
*Note - Blue Zones Project is now in 38 communities.
