Outer Banks “Blue” takes on a new meaning with an exciting local partnership! An initiative to create healthier lifestyles has led Outer Banks Health and Dare County Department of Health and Human Services to partner with Blue Zones, a global leader in longevity research.
By definition, a Blue Zone is an area where people live exceptionally long lives. The term was coined by Dan Buettner, an author and athlete who observed many diverse cultures on his path to several World Guinness Records for transcontinental cycling. Differences aside, he found one uniting desire: a healthy and long life! So why do people in certain regions live longer than others? The mission to answer this question led Dan to partner with National Geographic, who helped sponsor the research that sparked the globally recognized Blue Zones movement.
It could be! The 5 studied Blue Zones are Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Icaria, Greece; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. These areas hold the strongest concentrations of older, healthier humans. While studying these unique regions, scientists looked for correlates and patterns to “reverse engineer” longevity. The results of these studies have been adapted for use by anyone. Dan now carries this message and helps communities implement the core practices that promote longer, healthier lives. Blue Zones Ignite Outer Banks delivers “a new way of thinking and working that will enhance the places we live, work, and play.”
Outer Banks Blue was a major sponsor of the Outer Banks Hospital’s Painting the Outer Banks Blue 2024 Gala, which was themed after the Blue Zones initiative. Proceeds from the event were used for wellness efforts and programs, including the Ignite Outer Banks project. As an active participant in our local community, Outer Banks Blue pledges to support healthier lifestyles.
Internally, Outer Banks Blue incorporates “Power 9: Lifestyle habits of the world’s healthiest, longest-lived people.” Moving naturally, purpose, downshifting, the 80% rule, plant slant, wine @5, belonging, loved ones first, and right tribe are the tenets of Blue Zone populations. Standing desks and face-to-face meetings encourage natural movement, career development and workplace advancements add to purpose, and healthy kitchen snacks lead to a better diet. These are just a few ways Outer Banks Blue promotes a healthier lifestyle among its employees. And healthier employees provide better service for guests!
We recommend starting with Ignite Outer Banks. Here, you can learn more about Blue Zone’s core practices, get involved with efforts to turn the Outer Banks into a Blue Zone, and find additional healthy living resources. The Outer Banks is currently undergoing a readiness assessment, which is the first of three phases. Once the Blue Zone experts have evaluated the state of well-being, they will work with key stakeholders to present a plan for community transformation. Danny Buettner, son of Blue Zone’s founder Dan Buettner, will be delivering a keynote speech to discuss the future of the partnership on September 10th, 2024, at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC.
For an in-depth study of the Blue Zones project, you can watch the popular documentary Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, on Netflix. Dan Buettner has also written a series of books on his findings, including The Blue Zones of Happiness. Find more local resources and health tips on Outer Banks Health’s Wellness page. We hope you are inspired to action by the Blue Zones. We must all work together to better our lives and the lives of those around us!
Is it a coincidence that most of the Blue Zones are near the coast? We think not! “Downshift” at a relaxing OBX vacation rental from Outer Banks Blue. We offer 250+ beach houses from Nags Head to Corolla, perfect for your next NC beach vacation. You can also find healthy activity ideas in our things to do guide or learn more about what makes us unique. See you on the beach!
