The Blue Zones Project

The Blue Zones Project 

By Vern Schellenger, CEO Contacts Count                                          

9/19/23

The Blue Zones Project is a research and public health initiative aimed at studying and promoting longevity, health, and well-being in communities around the world.  It was developed by journalist and explorer, Dan Buettner and funded in part by National Geographic and the National Institute on Aging.  A Danish twin study had established that only 20% of how long the average person lives is determined by genes. The project focuses on identifying regions known as "Blue Zones," where people live exceptional long, healthy lives and then applying the lessons learned to other communities.

Doing in depth research in each of the "Blue Zones" that were identified, Buettner and his team found that  people who live exceptionally long lives have a number of things in common. They summarized their findings into  9 Power Principles 

1) They move naturally

2) A Sense of purpose - why you wake up in the morning

3) Routines to shed stress

4) 80% rule - stop eating when your stomach is 80% full

5) Plant slant diet -

6) Wine at 5 - with friends and family

7) Belong to a Faith based community

8) Families first

9) The right tribe

The right tribe speaks to the relationships you build throughout your life.  The first relationships we build are with our family, then come friends, and finally all of the other people you develop relationships with.  People at your place of worship, people you work with, professional colleagues, people you meet socially and the list goes on.  Dedicate the time needed each week to build the relationships you need to lead a long healthy life.  

To learn more about the Blue Zones Project and the 9 Power Principles: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff40YiMmVkU

About the Autho

Vern Schellenger, President and CEO of Contact Count.

Contacts Count is the premier coaching and training organization

dedicated to helping you use the power of human connection to transform your career, business, and life.

Vern is dedicated to empowering professionals and entrepreneurs with the strategies, skills and tools to master networking (even if they are introverted and don’t like networking events). His vast experience includes such roles as HR VP and CLO at Dunkin Donuts, VP & Director of Professional Services at Lee Hecht Harrison, and SR VP of Human Resources at American Bankers Association.