What is UAB's Blue Zones Project?

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iStock 489633076What do Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Sardinia Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and Nicoya, Costa Rica have in common with each other, UAB and you?

“These cities are known as Blue Zones and have lessons we can apply at UAB so you will live much longer with a higher quality of life,” said UAB Health System CEO Will Ferniany.

The Blue Zones Project by Healthways, a nationwide community wellness initiative, is coming to UAB Aug. 30. Two presentations open to UAB employees will explore the reasons residents of rare longevity hotspots around the world live longer, healthier, happier lives, and the way the Blue Zones Project is helping more communities implement these lessons.

Presentations are scheduled Aug. 30 — at 10 a.m. in the West Pavilion Conference Center Room E and at 2:30 p.m. in Volker Hall Conference A. 

Presentations are scheduled Aug. 30 — at 10 a.m. in the West Pavilion Conference Center Room E and at 2:30 p.m. in Volker Hall Conference A. Seating is limited for the morning session; register online at uab.edu/bluezones to attend. No registration is required to attend the afternoon session. 

The community wellness initiative is based on a 10-year study by National Geographic and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, who identified five regions of the world with the highest concentration of people living to 100 years or older.

Since its launch in 2009, 37 communities and more than 1,600 organizations nationwide have joined the Blue Zones Project.