Blue Zones are regions where people live longer, healthier lives thanks to lifestyle choices and community-driven approaches. Inspired by author Dan Buettner’s research, the global Blue Zones Project aims to replicate these healthy living principles in communities worldwide.

Iowa has been a key player in this initiative, with several cities selected to become certified Blue Zones communities. These cities are all part of the Healthiest State Initiative, led by former Governor Terry Branstad. Iowa's goal is to become the healthiest state by 2016.

This article explores how Iowa communities, like Mason City and Cedar Rapids, embraced the Blue Zones principles, the city leaders involved, and the lasting changes that have improved residents' well-being and happiness.

Blue Zones are areas around the world where people live longer, healthier lives, often reaching ages of 100 or more. These regions, such as Okinawa in Japan and Sardinia in Italy, are known for the well-being and happiness of their residents.

The concept of Blue Zones started with researcher and author Dan Buettner, who studied these places to uncover why people there live so long. From his findings, the Blue Zones Project was born, aiming to bring these longevity principles to communities globally by encouraging healthier behaviors, improved environments, and better resources for well-being.

While Iowa communities like Mason City and Cedar Rapids have been certified as Blue Zones communities, they are not part of the original Blue Zones regions. The Blue Zones Project in Iowa uses the same principles found in places like Sardinia and Okinawa to help people live longer and healthier lives.

A certified Blue Zones community receives assistance to make permanent environmental changes that promote healthier living. These communities focus on making well-being an easy choice through city government initiatives and community-based approaches, improving happiness and health across the state.

Iowa’s journey toward becoming a Blue Zones community began in 2011 when the state partnered with the Blue Zones Project. The goal was to adopt the principles of the Blue Zones to improve the health and well-being of Iowans and to make the state the healthiest in the nation.

These cities were the first to receive assistance from the Blue Zones Project, setting the stage for the rest of the state.

Iowa communities made significant changes to align with the Blue Zones principles and earn certification as Blue Zones communities. These efforts focused on making permanent environmental changes that promote healthier living and well-being.

To achieve Blue Zones status, Iowa cities implemented various policy changes aimed at improving health. For example, many communities banned e-cigarettes in public areas to encourage healthier environments. Additionally, bike lanes were added to make active transportation an easier choice.

Environmental Improvements:

• Schools increased access to healthy foods and limited unhealthy options.

• Restaurants offered healthier menu choices to encourage better eating habits.

• Grocery stores added fresh, local produce to promote nutritious diets.

• Parks and recreational spaces were expanded for better access to outdoor activities.

• Walking and biking paths were improved to support active lifestyles.

Local businesses, schools, and organizations played a crucial role in supporting the Blue Zones Project, creating a culture of healthier living.

Examples of Community Participation:

• Businesses offered "Blue Zones-approved" healthy options in their cafeterias.

• Schools introduced wellness programs to encourage students to make healthier choices.

• Workplaces implemented wellness initiatives, like walking meetings and healthier snacks.

• Local gyms offered discounted memberships to promote physical activity.

• Citizens wore Blue Zones t-shirts to show support for the movement and encourage others to participate.

The Blue Zones Project brought significant positive changes to Iowa communities, resulting in healthier, happier residents. From improved health metrics to economic benefits, cities that embraced Blue Zones principles saw long-lasting improvements in well-being.

Despite the positive impact, some Iowa communities chose to transition away from the Blue Zones Project after a few years due to funding challenges and other concerns.

The Blue Zones Project initially received a $25 million sponsorship from Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. However, after this sponsorship ended, many communities faced financial challenges in continuing the program. Maintaining the changes and programs introduced by the Blue Zones Project became costly for some cities, leading them to seek more affordable alternatives.

Many Iowa communities transitioned to Wellmark’s “Healthy Hometown” program to address these concerns. This new initiative provided a more flexible, cost-effective way for cities to promote healthier behaviors and well-being. By adopting this program, cities could continue the momentum of healthier living without the financial strain of the original Blue Zones Project.

The Blue Zones Project and Wellmark’s “Healthy Hometown” program aim to improve well-being but differ in approach and scope. While both programs promote healthier living, they offer unique methods for achieving those goals.

• Funding: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield invested a large initial $25 million in the Blue Zones Project. In contrast, Healthy Hometown is a more affordable, community-driven program.

• Focus: The Blue Zones Project aimed for large-scale, citywide changes, while Healthy Hometown allows communities more flexibility to choose health initiatives that best suit their needs.

• Certification: Communities in the Blue Zones Project can earn certification as Blue Zones Communities. Healthy Hometown does not offer certification but focuses on ongoing improvement.

• Long-term sustainability: Healthy Hometown is designed to be more cost-effective in the long term, allowing communities to progress without the significant funding required for Blue Zones certification.

• Programs and goals: Both projects emphasize healthier behaviors, such as increasing access to nutritious food and encouraging physical activity. However, Healthy Hometown gives communities more control over implementing these changes.

Many Iowa communities embraced the Blue Zones principles and saw impressive results. Their success stories highlight the transformative power of healthy living and community involvement.

Iowa City’s journey to becoming a certified Blue Zones Community focused on making the city more walkable and increasing access to healthy food options. By adding bike lanes and improving sidewalks, Iowa City made it easier for residents to stay active. The city government also partnered with local businesses and schools to offer healthier choices in restaurants and cafeterias, making healthy living the easy choice for citizens.

As one of the first Blue Zones demonstration sites, Mason City set a strong example for other Iowa communities. The city completed significant environmental changes, such as adding parks and walking trails to encourage physical activity. Mason City’s ongoing commitment to these initiatives helped create a healthier community, with residents now enjoying more opportunities for exercise and access to fresh, nutritious foods.

The future of the Blue Zones Project in Iowa looks promising. Many communities prioritize health and well-being, and the project's lessons provide a foundation for future health initiatives.

Even after the initial phase of the Blue Zones Project, Iowa communities remain committed to maintaining and building on the progress made. City leaders continue to promote healthier behaviors and improve access to resources that support well-being, such as parks, more nutritious foods, and fitness opportunities.

As health programs evolve, new initiatives may emerge to support community wellness in Iowa further. Future opportunities could involve:

• Expanding mental health services.

• Creating more recreational spaces.

• Developing innovative programs that use technology to track and promote healthier lifestyles.

Whatever comes next, Iowa’s commitment to health will remain strong.

Iowa’s involvement in the Blue Zones Project transformed its communities, helping them become healthier, happier places to live. Through Governor Terry Branstad’s Healthiest State Initiative, cities like Mason City and Iowa City made policy and environmental changes to promote well-being.

The Blue Zones Project led to improved health metrics, lower healthcare costs, and long-lasting benefits for residents. Iowa prioritizes health and wellness as some communities transition to the more flexible “Healthy Hometown” program. Similar initiatives can benefit other communities, making health and happiness an easy choice for everyone.