“Blue Zones” are regions such as Loma Linda, California; Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Ikaria, Greece, identified by National Geographic explorer Dan Buettner as places where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. Common traits among these communities include a plant-based diet, regular physical activity, strong social bonds and a clear sense of purpose. Since 2014, more than 95,000 residents and nearly 500 groups and organizations have partnered to make Fort Worth the largest certified Blue Zones community in the U.S.

Supported by city leaders, Texas Health Resources and the Blue Zones Project, this initiative was born from a need to address the rising health challenges of increasing rates of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. It focuses on modifying the local environment to make healthy dietary and lifestyle choices easier and more accessible.

One cornerstone of Fort Worth’s Blue Zone effort is transforming the built environment by adding bike lanes, improving walking paths and enhancing parks so residents can integrate more physical activity into their daily lives. These changes not only promote movement, but foster a stronger connection to the outdoors, resonating with the Blue Zone principle of staying physically active and engaged with nature.

Policy changes to create a healthier living environment include regulations to reduce smoking, improve food quality in schools and workplaces and promote active transportation. By embedding these healthy choices into the fabric of daily life, the city aims to reduce chronic diseases and improve overall well-being, much like the dietary shift toward plant-based foods.

Workplace wellness is another area of focus. Local businesses are encouraged to adopt practices that enhance the health of their employees such as offering healthier meal options, providing opportunities for physical activity and supporting mental health initiatives. These efforts not only benefit individual employees, but also contribute to a more vibrant and productive community.

As a result, smoking rates have declined, physical activity levels have risen and dietary habits have shifted to healthier options, collectively reducing chronic diseases and increasing overall life satisfaction among residents. Future plans include further enhancements to the built environment, broadening community programs and advocating for additional policy changes to support health and wellness.

For more information, visit BlueZonesProject.com/live-long-fort-worth.