The world has become increasingly concerned with healthy living over the last decade. There are numerous programs put in place to increase health among populations in order to sustain a long and happy life. One of these programs, Blue Zones, has made it’s way to Ames, IA.

The method of Blue Zones is as follows: “We studied the verifiable parts of the world where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. We distill their lifestyle lessons and then, working with top scientists, offer ways for you to learn, measure and act on your own longevity and happiness.”

Pair this with Brandstad’s goal of making Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016 and there is certainly opportunity for Ames, and Iowa as a whole, to make changes regarding healthy lifestyle.

Tor Finseth, GSB Liazon to City Council said, “They basically have looked at different countries around the world and decided which countries lived the longest. They analyze that and are now a group of consultants that go to city governments to help citizens live 10 times their rate. The consultants work with different businesses to create healthy options.”

Since Blue Zones, countries life expectancy has increased by 2.9 years, there has been a 49% decrease in city employee health care cost, and there is a 21% drop in absentee by employers.

Blue Zones concluded the application process to the program on Nov 23rd and will then allow the chosen cities, one of which being Ames, to gain citizen support.

“Part of the process is that the community can’t change without citizen support. Since students make up half the population of Ames we really need student support on this. So, what were hoping is to get every student to go online and file a statement on their (Blue Zones) website that says we are willing to make that change and we want our government to do the same. Blue Zone developers will pick the top 10 that have the highest resident support,” said Finseth.

Finalists are selected February 10th.

Interested? Make your pledge at www.bluezonesproject.com or text BZP to 772937.