Albert Lea Serves As Model For Hopeful Blue Zones Communities In Iowa | Arts & Culture

The Blue Zone Community Project that Albert Lea took part in is now serving as a model for other cities.  That community wide project took place in 2009. 

Albert Lea was the pilot city.  In 2010, Beach Cities, California became the second community to become a Blue Zone Community.

Now, 100 communities in Iowa are competing to be the next Blue Zone Community. 

Among the cities competing for the title are Mason City, Algona, St. Ansgar and Charles City.  People are being encouraged to go online and vote for their community.

That website can be found here.

In 2009, when Albert Lea completed the Blue Zone Project, it was decided that residents benefited immensely.

• Life expectancy increased 2.9 years
• Participants lost an average of 2 lbs. each
• An average 21% drop in absenteeism by key employers

Members of a Blue Zone Community are asked to make healthy food choices, be active socially and commit to volunteerism, among other things.