Ames Prepares for Blue Zones Site Visit

There are areas in the world where people live longer and perhaps better. It's not just a statistical anomaly according to the author of “The Blue Zones.” They're secrets to living happier and healthier lives.

In these pockets of the world, people are 10 times more likely to live to be 100 than the average U.S. citizen.

Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Healthways, plans to implement these Blue Zone secrets in 10 larger communities across Iowa and 10 smaller communities. Three to four will be selected as Blue Zone demonstration sites in the first round and Ames is one of 11 finalists hoping to be one. The decision will be made in May.

Stephanie Downs, Health Promotions Coordinator for the City of Ames, said the insurance provider plans to invest $25 million in the state over the next few years creating Blue Zone demonstration communities.

Representatives of all sectors of the community will meet with the Blue Zone team Monday for a site review. Some of those same community representatives met for a quick meeting in City Council Chambers Wednesday and will again on Thursday to discuss Monday's plans.

During the visit, residents will share what living well in Ames means to them before the site review team goes out into the community on its own. Communities will be selected by May. One of the things the Blue Zone committee still needs is people to sign the health pledge. People sign the pledge by logging onto the Blue Zone Website here and clicking on “I'm a Citizen.”

After entering their name and some basic information, another screen will pop up asking people if they are willing to follow some of the nine Blue Zone power principles, but filling out that form isn't necessary for the pledge to be counted, Downs said.

One fourth of the community must sign the pledge for Ames to remain in the running. Ames had about 59,000 people according to the latest census, but about 11 percent of Ames population was 11 and younger and pledges must be at least 13 to sign up.

So far Ames is in fourth place on the leader board on the Project Blue Zone website. Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Healthways will announce the first sites in May.

“If we don't make it we will show them what a bad mistake they made,” said Elaine Hieber, Ames Blue Zone Project Co-Chair.

For more on Ames progress and to sign the pledge go here. You can also text BZP to the number 772937 to show support.

If you don't want to wait until Ames becomes a demonstration site here are the nine principles to healthier and happier living. Some like drinking wine at 5 p.m. might surprise you.

From BlueZonesProject.com

1. Move Naturally

We can get more physical activity naturally if we live in walkable communities, de-convenience our homes and grow gardens.

2. Know your Purpose

People who know why they wake up in the morning live up to seven years longer than those who don’t.

3. Down Shift

To reverse inflammation related to every major age-related disease, find time each day to meditate, nap, pray or enjoy a happy hour.

4. 80% Rule

It takes your stomach 20 minutes to tell your brain it is full causing most people to accidentally overeat; so stop when you feel 80 percent full.

5. Plant Slant

Eat mostly a plant-based diet that is heavy on beans, nuts, and green plants. This is consistent with the USDA’s MyPlate recommendations to make fruits, vegetables and grains the majority of your intake.

6. Wine at 5

If you have a healthy relationship to alcohol, one to two glasses of wine daily could help add years to your life, especially when consumed with a healthy diet.

7. Family First

Living in a thriving family is worth a half a dozen extra years of life expectancy.   Invest time in your kids, nurture a monogamous relationship and keep your aging parents nearby.

8. Belong

Recommit, reconnect or explore a new faith-based community. No matter which faith, studies found that people who show up to their faith community four times a month live an extra 4-14 years.

9. Right Tribe

Your friends have a long-term impact on your well-being.  Expanding your social circle to include healthy-minded, supportive people might be the most powerful thing you can do to add years to your life.